TANZANIA –  MUHIMBILI National Hospital-Mloganzila has significantly advanced dermatological care by becoming the first public hospital in Tanzania to offer treatment for skin diseases using advanced laser technology. 

This new service was officially launched during a press briefing at the hospital on Wednesday, during which Deputy Executive Director Dr. Julieth Magandi expressed gratitude to their South Korean partners for providing essential training.

Dr. Magandi stated, “We thank our colleagues from South Korea for helping us to provide training on how to use laser technology to treat various skin diseases. Now our specialists are fully capable of providing these services.” 

Introducing this technology will enhance the hospital’s ability to treat various skin conditions effectively.

The hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment and a team of highly skilled dermatology specialists.

 Dr. Magandi highlighted that the laser treatments available include procedures for removing acne scars, treating skin diseases, and tattoo removal. 

“We have modern types of equipment and professional dermatology doctors,” she added, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to efficient service delivery.

Dermatologist Dr. Andrew Foi elaborated on the advantages of laser treatment, stating that it can address skin diseases that are resistant to conventional therapies while also improving the skin’s overall appearance.

“Before introducing this treatment, most of the patients were going abroad for the treatments which required them a lot of money to access the service, but to date, the service is available here with the support of our Korean partners,” Dr. Foi explained.

The laser treatment is designed to tackle various skin conditions, including vitiligo, eczema, skin cancer, and tattoo removal. 

Dr. Foi mentioned that traditionally, larger tattoos were challenging to remove, but the new technology allows for eliminating all types of tattoos. 

He noted, “Before, some tattoos were removed through operations, and it was only for small ones because the big ones were complicated to remove, but today the hospital is capable of removing all types of tattoos.”

The treatment also includes light phototherapy for vitiligo, psoriasis, and severe eczema. Dr. Foi noted, “Traditionally, these conditions were treated with topical or oral medications, which often proved ineffective, leading to increased itching and skin damage.”

He added that patients suffering from chronic skin diseases would first receive standard treatments, including chemotherapy and medications, before transitioning to laser therapy, which is a non-radiative method that utilizes light amplification.

Introducing this advanced service at MUHIMBILI National Hospital-Mloganzila represents a crucial step forward in providing affordable and accessible dermatological care to Tanzanians. 

By eliminating the need for patients to travel abroad for treatment, the hospital enhances local healthcare and significantly reduces the financial burden on patients seeking effective skin disease treatment. 

As Dr. Foi concluded, the hospital is now well-equipped to meet the dermatological needs of the community, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care without the added stress of travel and high costs.

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