Kenyan Patients Flee to Tanzania, Straining Healthcare System During Doctor’s Strike.

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a desperate bid for medical assistance amid a protracted doctor's strike in Kenya, citizens are crossing borders into Tanzania, amplifying the strain on the latter's healthcare system. The strike, which commenced on March 15, 2024, orchestrated by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU), has left public hospitals in Kenya paralysed, compelling patients to seek treatment abroad.

An investigation into the burgeoning influx of Kenyan patients by healthcare facilities near the Kenya-Tanzania border reveals a surge in admissions in the Rombo district of Kilimanjaro region and the Longido district of the Arusha region.

With the strike now entering its third week, the numbers continue to rise, with authorities in the Mara region bracing themselves to monitor patient crossings meticulously. The strike's genesis lies in a litany of demands from the doctors, encompassing the settlement of salary arrears, contractual employment terms, reinstatement of medical insurance, and prompt salary disbursements.

This echoes a similar standoff in 2016/2017, where a 100-day strike, coupled with a 20-day strike by nurses and medical officers, witnessed Kenyan citizens flocking to Tanzania for healthcare services. Ngoyoni Hospital in Rombo district stands witness to the unfolding crisis, as Kenyan patients, grappling with the exorbitant costs of private healthcare back home, find solace across the border.

Despite challenges, including steep transport expenses, the dire circumstances have driven families to prioritize their loved one's well-being, even if it means seeking treatment abroad. "While the current influx is notable, it pales in comparison to the previous surge during the 2016/2017 strike," remarks an anonymous doctor at Ngoyoni Hospital. Nonetheless, Chief Medical Officers of Rombo and Kilimanjaro regions attest to a tangible uptick in patient numbers, particularly among pregnant women and children.

 Jairy Khanga, Chief Medical Officer of Kilimanjaro Region, underlines the need for cross-border cooperation in sustaining healthcare services. Khanga emphasizes the necessity for neighboring countries to contribute to the strain on Tanzania's resources, suggesting that costs may be levied on non-Tanzanians seeking treatment.

However, investigations in Tanga's Horohoro region fail to corroborate similar patterns, hinting at potential disparities in healthcare access along the border. Conversely, in Longido district, reports from Orendeke Health Center substantiate an increase in Kenyan patients, reflecting the border's porous nature.

The natural symbiosis between border communities prompts Longido's District Commissioner, Marko Ng'umbi, to acknowledge the inherent interdependence. Yet, as authorities in the Mara region remain vigilant in monitoring patient movements, the onus lies in ensuring seamless healthcare delivery despite the crisis.

In Kenya, the impasse between doctors and government officials persists, showcasing the doctors' firm stance on their rights and the need for genuine dialogue. Despite promises from Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, talks have been hindered by alleged intimidation tactics, further intensifying the deadlock. Dr. Dennis Miskellah, Deputy Secretary-General of KMPDU, acknowledges the concessions made by the Kenyan government but emphasizes the importance of dialogue without coercion.

Amid escalating tensions, the fate of healthcare provision hangs in the balance, as doctors remain resolute in their demands. As the standoff intensifies, other healthcare professionals, including public health officers and specialists, vow to join the fray, amplifying pressure on authorities to address systemic grievances.

With lives hanging in the balance and a healthcare system stretched to its limits, the urgency for resolution intensifies. In the face of mounting challenges, the resilience of Tanzania's healthcare infrastructure is put to the test.

 Neighboring nations grapple with their healthcare crises, solidarity, and cooperation emerge as imperative pillars in navigating the turbulent waters ahead. The clock ticks relentlessly as patients cling to hope amidst the chaos, underscoring the profound stakes at play in this regional healthcare saga.

This stands in stark contrast to Tanzania, where medical train unions are marred by political polarization. In a notorious incident in 2012, trade union leader Steven Ulimboka was brutally tortured by unknown assailants, highlighting the dangers faced by medical advocates.

With the government resorting to deploying military doctors and seeking assistance from Cuba, the concerns of doctors remain largely unaddressed amidst political tensions. The contrasting situations highlight the assertiveness of Kenyan doctors in demanding their rights, while Tanzania grapples with internal strife within its medical community.

As Kenya's healthcare crisis spills over into Tanzania, highlighting the strain on the latter's healthcare infrastructure, experts suggest that Tanzania could leverage this situation to bolster its healthcare system. Drawing parallels with medical tourism hubs like India, Tanzania has an opportunity to invest in modernizing its health facilities to attract not only Kenyan patients seeking refuge during strikes but also patients from other regions.

The Tanzanian government could consider strategic investments in state-of-the-art medical equipment, infrastructure upgrades, and specialized training for healthcare professionals to enhance the country's medical capabilities. By proactively modernizing its healthcare facilities, Tanzania could position itself as a viable alternative for medical tourists, offering quality care at competitive prices.

Moreover, fostering partnerships with international healthcare providers and implementing policies to streamline medical visa processes could further enhance Tanzania's appeal as a medical tourism destination. By capitalizing on its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and emerging healthcare sector, Tanzania can create a sustainable healthcare ecosystem that benefits both its citizens and medical tourists. Embracing innovation in healthcare, Tanzania sets its sights on becoming East Africa's premier medical tourism destination, turning crises into opportunities for progress.