Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital is committed to continuous improvement and adheres to the best possible practices in healthcare. We speak to Hospital Director, Alex Ernest, about how the facility focuses on providing a comfortable and safe environment to meet the needs of its patients.
A LEGACY OF CARE
At present, Africa is facing a rapidly escalating demand for quality healthcare due to ongoing population growth and the high prevalence of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Consequently, many African nations are now prioritising improvements in healthcare access, affordability, and quality.
This governmental focus, coupled with the urgent need to combat disease, has transformed the continent’s ever-expanding healthcare sector into a vital investment area.
As such, the African healthcare industry is experiencing significant advancements, with numerous countries fostering supportive environments for medical professionals.
Whilst a litany of challenges remains, positive trends in disease control are evident, suggesting substantial future growth and impact in the crucial areas of disease prevention and management.
Playing an influential role in a pivotal time for the continent’s healthcare industry, and under the strong leadership of Tanzanian President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, facilities such as Mount Meru Regional Referral Hospital (Mount Meru) continue to go from strength to strength.
Dr Samia’s vision and unwavering commitment have ensured high-quality healthcare services through the allocation of significant funds to improve infrastructure, equipment, and drug availability.
“Her leadership has overseen a major transformation in healthcare provision nationwide, and Mount Meru is just one of the many beneficiaries,” shares Hospital Director, Alex Ernest.
A HISTORY OF HEALTH
Mount Meru’s history dates back to 1915, when it was first opened as a treatment centre for World War I casualties.
The ground-breaking facility was originally divided into two sections, with the opposing halves later merging to form one hospital which was officially opened in 1926.
Adhering to the guiding principles of the Good Samaritan parable, it has consistently provided healthcare services ever since, persisting through the atrocities of World War II and emerging into independent ownership.
Subsequently, as a state-owned regional referral hospital, it serves a catchment population exceeding two million across seven districts of the Arusha region of Tanzania.
With a dedicated team of over 650 staff, Mount Meru offers extensive healthcare services to both local and international communities, encompassing numerous specialties.
“Our services range from outpatient to inpatient care, with a particular focus on emergency and critical care, orthopaedic trauma and surgeries, as well as diagnostic imaging and laboratory services,” Ernest informs.
“We are lucky to have an extensive range of specialists and superspecialists who enable us to provide high-quality healthcare in a calm and comforting environment,” he continues.
Strategically located in a city rich with tourist attractions and home to a plethora of regional and international organisations, the hospital is ideally positioned to serve global communities in need of medical attention.
FIRST-CLASS SERVICE
Equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies, Mount Meru features a well-equipped VIP lounge and wards staffed by skilled professionals providing first-class medical attention and procedures.
It additionally boasts advanced ambulance services, enabling the hospital to offer both inpatient and outpatient care.
“We also provide outreach services to local communities far from the hospital, including community medical education, mentorship, and direct medical care. Our well-equipped van allows us to reach even the most remote areas, ensuring equitable medical care throughout the region,” Ernest outlines.
“Moreover, our hospital addresses the needs of the geriatric population by providing clinic services, palliative care, physiotherapy, mental health clinics, and psychological support.”
Undoubtedly, Mount Meru’s competitive advantage lies in the exceptional customer service provided by its dedicated, skilled healthcare professionals, who utilise robust treatment approaches supported by advanced, internationally accredited laboratory tests and comprehensive imaging services.
“As a public hospital, we offer affordable services and generous exemption policies compliant with Ministry of Health guidelines, and our serene environment contributes to a positive patient experience,” he prides.
Across the entire spectrum of its operations, Mount Meru cultivates a secure and supportive work culture that promotes career advancement and development.
To achieve this, the hospital provides continuous weekly medical education and on-the-job training for employees, complemented by long-term mentorship and positive reinforcement through monthly awards and certificates presented to its top performers.
“Our incentive programmes, including departmental vacation trips and annual events, are designed to foster intrinsic motivation amongst our people,” he tells us.
ADVANCING TREATMENT AND PROCEDURES
With a new continuum of care on the horizon for Africa, Mount Meru is aiming to concentrate its efforts on mitigating the alarming rise of non-communicable diseases.
“A comprehensive approach is necessary to address current trends, prioritising initial prevention. Although our primary function is treatment, community awareness programmes, screenings, and health education will also help to substantially reduce the disease burden,” Ernest reveals.
“We will continue to strengthen our outreach initiatives and allocate resources strategically towards preventive measures,” he affirms.
On the other hand, Mount Meru plans to transition from performing open surgeries to minimally invasive procedures within the next few years.
The hospital has completed construction of a new building that will serve as a dedicated theatre for these specific surgeries and is currently being fitted with the necessary equipment.
“We also aim to provide comprehensive cancer treatment services to optimise patient outcomes. Construction of our chemotherapy clinic is underway, and staff are currently undergoing training, as we plan to launch this service by the end of May 2025.”
Meanwhile, Mount Meru is prioritising the enhancement of its operational research capabilities in order to optimise treatment efficacy in the face of increasing drug resistance.
Ernest hopes this will be achieved through collaborative efforts with domestic and international research institutions.
“We invite collaboration with international institutions interested in joint research endeavours and are confident that this approach will yield superior results,” he concludes.
