SUSTAINABLE AND DEPENDABLE MEDICAL TREATMENT
A LEGACY OF CARE
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
Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Harry Thurlow
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 highquality 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.
HEALTHCARE OUTLOOK: HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY?
Alex Ernest, Hospital Director: “My mother’s nursing career inspired a deep interest in healthcare, which led me to pursue a place at medical school and then eventually postgraduate studies in obstetrics and gynaecology.
“From 2009 to 2020, I served as a senior lecturer at the University of Dodoma’s College of Health Sciences, where I gained valuable teaching and leadership experience in the medical field.
“In the autumn of 2020, I accepted a position at Mount Meru, appointed by the Ministry of Health. I’m extremely passionate about building a strong, inclusive healthcare system that serves both our local and global communities.”
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.
“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”
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ALEX ERNEST, HOSPITAL DIRECTOR, MOUNT MERU REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL
MOUNT MERU MISSION, VISION, AND CORE VALUES
“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.
MISSION – To offer specialised, quality, and affordable health services to the national and international community.
VISION – To be the leading facility in the provision of affordable and quality specialised healthcare and teaching services.
CORE VALUES
• Pursuit of excellence – Mount Meru strives to achieve the highest standards in health service provision and actively looks for opportunities to improve.
• Loyalty to government – The hospital continues to loyally serve the Tanzanian government and complies with lawful instructions given by its leaders.
• Diligence to duty – Staff devote themselves wholly to their work.
• Integrity and impartiality – Employees don’t engage in political or religious activities or allow personal political views to influence their duties.
• Courtesy to all – Mount Meru’s staff treat clients with courtesy, regard themselves as public servants, and are particularly considerate when dealing with vulnerable members of the public or disadvantaged groups.
• Professionalism – Mount Meru provides services to the highest professional standards.
The community is offered health education on the primary prevention of non-communicable diseases as part of Mount Meru’s social responsibility activities.
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 noncommunicable 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.
Tel: +255 748 535 480 admin@mtmerurrh.go.tz www.mtmerurrh.go.tz
Mount Meru’s VIP lounge offers superior comfort to valued clients and fosters a positive atmosphere.
The availability of CT scans ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Our consultation room is well-equipped with all necessary medical equipment and supplies
