Speech by Princess Zahra Aga Khan at the Launch of the Oncology Programme of the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam

Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare,
Dr. Seif Rashid,
His Excellency Marcel Escure,
Ambassador of France in Tanzania,
Ladies and Gentlemen:

Please allow me first and foremost to welcome you all on this lovely day to the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam. We are truly grateful for your presence in what is a very important and exciting day in the life of this institution.

I would like to start by congratulating the Honourable Minister on his appointment, (which I understand happened) only a few days ago and as such I am truly grateful that in spite of his many commitments and only his first week in office, he very graciously accepted our invitation to be the Guest of Honour at today’s event. This truly is a testimony of his commitment and of the excellent relations and partnership between the Government of Tanzania and the Aga Khan Development Network. Thank you Honourable Minister. We truly appreciate your presence and support.

Today we are proud to launch the Oncology Programme, the first programme to be introduced as part of the Phase 2 expansion of the Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam. This phase of expansion will see the development of comprehensive programmes in cardiology, oncology, neurosciences, critical care, maternal and child health and advanced diagnostics. The new facilities are being designed by leading international and Tanzanian based hospital planners, architects and engineers, which will see new construction of almost 13,000 square meters, renovations of almost 6000 square metres and will double the hospital’s capacity to over 150 beds. The development will also provide an opportunity for capacity building and additional recruitment resulting in a total staff complement of 800+ healthcare and other professionals who will be responsible for providing much needed and high-end clinical services.

More http://www.akdn.org/Content/1236
Related http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1504/Aga-Khan-Hospital-cancer-programme-is-an-important-step-towards-premier-healthcare-system-in-East-Africa-says-Princess-Zahra