Dr. Oscar Lugano is one of eight Tanzanian fellows of Artemed Stiftung. The 29-year-old began his four-year residency in emergency medicine in 2024 at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC)—one of Tanzania’s most prestigious universities.
In 2025, the University of Marburg launched a pilot project in collaboration with the KCMC to facilitate an exchange program between medical students from both universities. For many Tanzanian students—including Dr. Oscar—this is their first opportunity to leave their home country and gain international experience.
Dr. Oscar spent two weeks in Marburg, observing at the local hospital and gaining valuable insights into the German healthcare system. The program included practical training in emergency medicine at the university hospital, as well as specialized courses such as trauma care, ultrasound diagnostics, and prehospital emergency care.
Shortly before his return flight, I, project manager Benedikt Lenz, met him in Frankfurt. After a brief visit to the Frankfurt Christmas market, we took the opportunity to have a long, in-depth conversation about his studies and the political situation in Tanzania.
There are only six other aspiring emergency medicine specialists in his class—because tuition fees are simply unaffordable for many. At the same time, emergency medicine in Tanzania is still underdeveloped: only a few hospitals have a true emergency department that meets international standards. St. Walburg’s Hospital the southern Lindi region also lacks equipment and specialized staff—even though the need is high. Strokes, traffic accidents, and severe injuries are part of everyday life there as well.
Dr. Oscar spoke about his time as a general practitioner in Nyangao before he began his residency. Especially during the mango season in November and December, many children are treated at St. Walburg’s Hospital every year after falling while climbing.
He also gave a vivid account of the events that had taken place a few weeks earlier at Kilimanjaro Hospital, when numerous injured protesters were brought in—protesters who had been wounded during the election period around October 28 as a result of military intervention. Many were saved—but some succumbed to their injuries.
These experiences clearly show that there is an enormous need for well-trained emergency physicians in Tanzania. We are therefore all the more excited to work with Dr. Oscar to establish the “Emergency Department” at St. Walburg’s Hospital and further improve patient care on site.
Dr. Oscar is now back in Tanzania – “asante sana” for the valuable exchange!
