Dr. Silke Rausch (anesthesiologist), who has been working at St. Walburg’s Hospital in Nyangao, Tanzania, with her expertise and maintains an intensive exchange of knowledge with the local team, reported on the positive development of medical quality after her visit in January: In many core areas such as anesthesia and intensive care, years of support and joint training, as well as improvements in hygiene and various processes, are clearly bearing fruit.
The anesthesia team is doing an excellent job, and an absolute milestone is coming up this September: with the return of Dr. Robert, who is currently completing his specialization, Nyangao will have its own specialist in anesthesia for the first time. This is something special, as this is not yet the case in many hospitals in Tanzania. During her stay in Tanzania, Silke Rausch visited our scholarship holder Dr. Robert at the KCMC Hospital of Moshi University. (we reported)
The intensive care unit in Nyangao has also made great strides forward under the dedicated leadership of Dr. Majaliwa. His constant presence on site has measurably improved the quality of treatment. The unit is well equipped technically; most ventilators and monitors are fully functional. Where there are problems, such as with a defective defibrillator, pragmatic adjustments are made: there are plans to purchase a modern, automated device (AED) that is easier to use in an emergency.
A key issue remains the secure supply of oxygen. While oxygen concentrators—small devices that filter oxygen directly from the air in the room—are working reliably in almost all wards, the logistics of heavy oxygen cylinders remain a challenge. Since local filling stations often fail, supplies sometimes have to be transported over distances of 400 kilometers. In order to become even more independent in this regard, the long-term option of installing a dedicated reservoir system or a small filling plant on site is being considered.
Behind the scenes, the medical technology duo Mr. Amani and Cleopatra ensure that clinic operations do not come to a standstill. For the first time, a complete digital inventory list has been created that documents exactly when each device needs to be serviced. This is a crucial step in keeping the sometimes sensitive technology—from ultrasound machines to X-ray sensors—operational at all times.
The team is bringing new ideas to the hygiene department. An important project for the near future is the introduction of standardized patient clothing. Since private clothing brought from home can often be a source of germs, the switch to hospital-owned clothing that is washed regularly should further reduce the risk of infection. Improvements are also being made in sterilization, particularly in water quality, to protect surgical instruments from rust and deposits.
Overall, the report shows that Nyangao is not only investing in technology, but above all in the people who save lives there every day. The combination of modern equipment, structured maintenance, and continuous training forms a stable foundation for the future of St. Walburg's Hospital.
Of course, a visit to the hospital kitchen was also a must:
