Benjamin Mkapa Hospital has successfully raised over Sh2.2 billion through a fundraising gala organized by the Women's Wing of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (UWT) to support life-saving kidney treatments and bone marrow transplants for underprivileged patients.The event exceeded the Sh1.5 billion target, with the President's Office contributing Sh50 million and the Prime Minister's Office donating Sh30 million.The hospital requires a total of Sh5.

75 billion to treat 100 patients, including 50 children needing bone marrow transplants at Sh75 million each and 50 patients awaiting kidney treatments at Sh40 million each.

Hospital executive director Prof Abel Makubi highlighted the growing backlog of patients requiring specialized care, emphasizing that local treatments are significantly cheaper than abroad.UWT chairperson Mary Chatanda noted the cost difference, with bone marrow transplants costing Sh120 million abroad versus Sh75 million locally.The fundraiser aims to expand access to specialized treatment for vulnerable patients through partnerships.The event also underscored Tanzania's potential as a medical tourism hub, with recent cases from Burundi.

Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba urged Tanzanians to support healthcare initiatives, stressing the importance of domestic health for national development.