Bishop Dr. Keshomshahara Launches Newly Acquired Medical Equipment at Ndolage Hospital

The Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), North Western Diocese, Dr. Abednego Keshomshahara, has conducted a pastoral visit to Ndolage Hospital and officially launched newly acquired medical equipment and infrastructure aimed at improving healthcare services at the hospital.

Speaking during the launch ceremony, Bishop Dr. Keshomshahara commended the hospital management and the DioceseΓÇÖs Department of Social Services for the great work they are doing to ensure the hospital continues to uphold the dignity and legacy established over the past 96 years.

He also thanked all hospital staff for their dedication in serving the community and assured them that the diocesan leadership will continue strengthening infrastructure, increasing medical equipment, and improving services to ensure citizens receive better healthcare services.

Presenting the hospital development report, the Medical Officer in Charge, Dr. Lilian Kafuki, explained that the hospital continues to provide various services including inpatient and outpatient care, maternal and child healthcare, dental services, eye care, laboratory services, surgical services, and treatment for patients living with chronic diseases.

She noted that the hospital has made significant progress by acquiring modern medical equipment that enables faster diagnosis and treatment, reducing inconvenience for patients and minimizing the cost of traveling long distances to seek such services.

The newly launched modern medical equipment includes the Humaster 100 and Magnum 800, which are used for laboratory investigations and provide fast and accurate blood test results.

Also launched was the Full Blood Picture (FBP) machine, which helps in comprehensive blood analysis. In addition, specialized diagnostic and treatment equipment were introduced, including the Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, which assists in monitoring heart activity and detecting heart-related conditions early.

Another newly launched device is the Trans Vaginal Probe, used for detailed reproductive health examinations for women, as well as the Dental Chair, which enhances the efficiency of dental treatment services.

The availability of these medical devices marks a major milestone in strengthening specialized healthcare services and providing high-quality medical care to the community.

These new machines will complement other equipment launched last year, including a CT Scan machine for detailed imaging of internal organs, an X-Ray machine for bone and chest examinations, Mammography equipment for breast cancer screening, Ultrasound machines for radiation-free internal examinations, and ECG machines for monitoring and recording heart activity.

Regarding infrastructure development, the hospital has successfully renovated its surgical theatre, constructed an incinerator, improved the isolation ward, and continues with the construction of a mortuary building.

The Chairperson of the Ndolage Hospital Board, Mr. Johansen Lutabingwa, commended the hospital staff for their commitment and dedication in serving the community wholeheartedly.

He stated that these achievements are the result of strong cooperation between the management, employees, and various stakeholders.

He also thanked Bishop Keshomshahara for his strong leadership and for maintaining good relationships with friends and development partners from within and outside the country who continue contributing to the growth of the hospital.

On his part, the Deputy General Secretary and Head of the Diocese Department of Social Services and Health explained that the vision of the diocesan leadership is to elevate Ndolage Hospital from a district hospital to a referral hospital.

He emphasized that this goal is achievable due to the availability of modern medical equipment, strong infrastructure, and skilled professionals.

He added that the diocese continues to strengthen partnerships with major hospitals both locally and internationally to ensure specialized healthcare services are accessible through digital communication systems that allow professional consultation with specialist doctors around the world.

Ndolage Hospital was established in 1928 as a dispensary under German missionaries and later grew into a fully-fledged hospital in 1960. Since then, it has continued to expand and provide both specialized and primary healthcare services to the wider community.