Over 10,000 Tanzanians benefit from free medical services

Dar es Salaam. More than 10,000 Tanzanians have received free medical services during a three-day health and eye screening camp.

The camp held over the weekend at Mnazi Mmoja Grounds, was organised by the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (KSIJ) of Dar es Salaam, to offer free consultations, medications, and minor surgeries as part of the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

Speaking at the close of the camp, KSIJ Dar es Salaam chairman Alhaj Mohammedraza Dewji said the event had exceeded expectations in both turnout and impact.

“This year’s health outreach was divided into two key components—spiritual education about Imam Hussein and the provision of free health services, including eye screenings, treatment, and surgeries,” he explained.

Mr Mohammedraza said the teachings focused on Imam Hussein’s selfless sacrifice in defence of justice, equality, compassion, and faith—principles that transcend religion, ethnicity, gender, or income.

He noted that this year’s health camp recorded a much higher public response compared to the previous year, with residents turning out in large numbers for check-ups and treatment.

According to him, over 4,800 people were screened for various eye conditions, and 289 individuals were diagnosed with cataracts and other issues requiring surgery.

“Of those diagnosed, 97 patients were referred to Medwell Hospital in Kibaha, Coast Region, for cataract surgery. Others will be scheduled for treatment at a later date,” he said.

Some patients, he added, were unable to travel to Kibaha due to distance. They will instead receive treatment at Temeke Charitable Hospital, also run by the community, free of charge.

A total of 2,817 people were issued with reading glasses, 1,813 received prescription glasses for distance vision, and around 3,500 were given medication for various eye conditions.

The camp also collected 229 units of safe blood, in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service, to be donated to hospitals in urgent need.

More than 427 women were also screened for cervical cancer, with 181 advised to seek further medical attention. Among them, 12 were treated on site and discharged. Another 12 women who underwent breast cancer screening were found to have symptoms requiring further medical follow-up.

Men also benefitted from health checks, including screenings for prostate issues. Six were found to have early signs of prostate complications. Others were diagnosed with non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and, in some cases, mental health challenges.

Mr Mohammedraza called on other institutions and organisations to support similar initiatives, noting that many people who attended the camp were unaware they had medical issues prior to being screened.

Commenting on the camp’s outcomes, the camp’s lead medical officer, Dr Alhussein Molloo, said most cases involved eye and non-communicable diseases. A total of 77 specialist consultations were conducted, 236 patients underwent ultrasound scans, and 88 were identified for long-term follow-up and major surgery.

Among those who benefitted was Mr Sachi Hassan Kajogoo, who praised the organisation of the camp and the smooth service delivery, including eye screenings and blood donation.

“I used to suffer from frequent headaches and watery eyes. After hearing about the camp through the media, I decided to attend. I was diagnosed with a mismatch between my glasses and my eyesight and received new glasses and medication,” he said.