Dr. Shija Mahenda

Head of Department

Description

CARDIOTHORACIC DEPARTMENT

The department deals with heart surgeries, manages trauma to the chest, be it penetrating or blunt injury. There are plans to expand these services and in the mean future establish an institute for Cardiac disease.


The scope covered includes

          ⁃        Cardiac Surgery

          ⁃        Open heart Operation - Adult & Pediatrics 

           ⁃       Closed Heart Operation - Adult & Pediatrics

           ⁃       Thoracic Surgery

          ⁃        Esophageal Surgery; For Malignancy and Benign esophageal diseases

          ⁃        Pulmonary Surgery

          ⁃        Pleural Surgery

          ⁃        Bronchospasm services and Spirometry 

          ⁃        Chest Traumas (Soft Tissues and Ribs)

Dr. Andrew Nkilijiwa

Head of Department

Description

DEPARTMET OF ORTHOPEDIC 

SERVICE PROVIDED 

1.        Outpatient orthopaedic services

2.         Fractures fixation/trauma treatment

3.         paediatric orthopaedic surgery

4.        Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis

5.         Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty

6.         Pelvis and Acetabular Reconstruction

7.        Bone lengthening and reconstruction

8.        Spine orthopaedic surgery

9.        Prosthesis and orthosis

10.      Education and consultantcy and outreach orthopaedic services

Dr. Gerald Mayaya

Head of Department

Description

DEPARTMENT OF NEUROSURGERY.

The Department of Neurosurgery at Bugando Medical Center currently consist of 5 Neurosurgeons, 5 medical doctors  and 3 registrars. Our team is committed to excellence in teaching and delivery of quality clinical neurosurgical care for patients with disorders of brain, spine and for patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

The clinical service serves a population in the lake zone region but also stretches out to the borders of Uganda, Congo, Burundi and Kenya as the main referral center for neurosurgical conditions and management. The department does over 600 surgical cases annually and offers the full breadth of neurosurgery lest of stereotactic and neuro-interventional procedures an area yet to be developed.

Our experienced team of surgeons from Tanzania, Uganda and Cuba work collaboratively with neurologists, oncologists, pediatricians and a team of trained nurses to manage the complex delicate care of neurosurgery patients.

RESEARCH

The department of neurosurgery at BMC has a long tradition of integrating academic based principles into clinical evidence-based practice, and in the past years, several clinical publications especially in areas of head trauma and neuro-tube defects have contributed to the neurosurgical literature. Today the department is actively focused on research in hydrocephalus treatment outcomes, traumatic brain injury and degenerative spine conditions.

International Collaborations

The department boasts of several international collaborations with some of the best neurosurgical institutions worldwide, including world-known neurosurgeons who visit annually at different times of the year. These have contributed enormously to the advancement of neurosurgical services through exchange of knowledge, expertise, performing complex surgeries though surgical camps and donating surgical equipment such as implants.

SERVICE PROVIDED

1.            Brain surgeries and injuries

2.            Operation for children with spine bifida and hydrocephalacy

3.            Operation for patients with brain tumors4.          

4.            Operation for brain and spinal cord lesion

5.            Specialize for management in trauma patients involving the head injuries, spine   injuries and nerves.

Dr. Alex Elius

Ag. Head of Department of Dentistry

Description

Background

Department of dentistry is among of eleven departments under Surgical Directorate of Bugando Medical Centre. It is aimed at employing world class practices in order to provide top quality services in Tanzania and the East African region. The facility performs a range of activities including general practitioner (Dental Surgeon) and specialist consultation, investigation, health education, treatment of various medical and dental conditions, and conducting research.

Department of dentistry is committed to serving the interests of the client. It provides high quality and standard services at reasonable and affordable prices.

Mission

Through its highly qualified and well-trained staff, the department is aimed at creating awareness regarding dental treatment options, and provision of modern, top-quality services to its clients and patients at a reasonable cost.

Vision

To be the benchmark of world class quality dental services in the region.

Value

 Our client is our primary focus, so our work ethic is built around commitment and dedication to ensure that our clients get top QualityCare and treatment and leaves our facility in healthy and satisfied.

Motto

World class quality healthcare providers

Service offered

Consultation services:

1. Dental surgeon consultation and examination   
2. Specialist consultation such as;

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontic 
• Restorative dentistry
  1. Dental fillings

Treatment such as;

1.  Root canal treatment

    2.  Tooth cleaning (scaling and polishing)

    3.  Tooth whitening (bleaching and veneering)

    4.  Tooth extractions

    5.   Wisdom teeth removal

    6.   Minor and Major Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

    7.   Crowns and bridges

    8.   Dentures

Dr. Rebecca Samwel

Head of Department of Cardiac Anesthesiologist

Description

ANESTHESIA AND ICU DEPARTMENT

Units

This department deals with providing intensive medical and nursing care to critically or seriously ill patients from all departments. It is a hybrid type of ICU where we care patients of all ages and sex, all diagnoses from any specialty (Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics).
ICU Nurse incharge: Mr. Jonathan Elias 

Staffing.Number of ICU

 staff:

-Intensivists [1-

Registrardoctors [2]

Registered Nurses [23]

Enrolled Nurses [3]

Medical attendants [9]

Advantages of ICU to the hospital

• Critical monitoring and care of debilitated patients who can’t be cared in normal wards 
• Continuous monitoring of patients using automated machines.
• Providing Continuous infusion of medications using special machines
• Good Quality of Resuscitation care
• Good Doctor/Nurse to patient ratio
• Multi-disciplinary approach in caring patients. Many specialist review patients at the same sitting.
• Provide environment for diagnostic or special procedures eg. Pericardiocentesis that require critical care monitoring 

ANESTHESIOLOGY UNIT.

Number of ICU staff:

• We have 27 nurse anesthetists

Services we offer:

• Daily elective anesthesia and analgesia for operations in the theatres.
• Anesthesia Consultation for pre-operative patients
• Resuscitation assistance in the wards

EDUCATION:

Currently we offer: 

• ICU certification course for Diploma nurses for six months
• Refresher course on Critical care for doctors and nurses from other hospitals.
• Nurse Anesthetist Certificate course- One year
• Residency in Anesthesiology and ICU Contact usInternal Ext. 206
  E-mail: info@bugandomedicalcentre.go.tz / bugandohospital@gmail.com  

Dr. Francis Tegete

Head Of Department

Description

Plastic, Burn and reconstructive Surgery Department

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery deals with restoration of form or function of a body part through reconstruction, remodeling or rebuilding of defects of the body.

These deformities or defects may be a result of trauma, surgery or congenital. There are many conditions causing significant disfigurement, deformity or disability that are largely correctable by Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Bugando Medical Centre plastic, burn and reconstructive surgery department serves patients from within the lake zone region, other parts of Tanzania and from neighboring countries.

The Bugando Medical Centre Plastic, burn and Reconstructive Surgery Department started as a burn unit under General Surgery Department in the end of 2014. Over 7 years of existence the BMC burn unit matured and became a full department officially on 1st July 2022 with 34 bed capacity.

our  team consist of the following

• 1 Plastic surgeon
• 3Medical officers/ registrars
• 1 Registered nurse
• 9 Assistant nurses
• 2Anesthetists
• 4 Theatre nurses
• 2cNutritionists
• 1 Occupational therapist
• 2 Physiotherapists
• 1 Social worker
• 1 Accountant
• 4 Ward attendants
• 1 public relation officer
• Cleft lip and palate
• Craniofacial anomalies
• Hand surgery (tendon injury, nerve and hand diseases)
• Soft tissue injuries
• Scars
• Soft tissue tumors ( oncoplastic )
• Congenital anomalies of hand, feet, perineum
• Oculoplastic
• Orthoplastic
• Complex wounds and chronic ulcers (pressure sores, diabetic and vascular ulcers)
• Breast reconstruction 
• Acute burn injuries
• Contractures
• Chronic burn ulcers
• Burn scars

In collaboration with other units/departments we also provide speech and language, rehabilitation services 

ARCHIEVEMENTS

One of the greatest achievements we have had is starting from the scratch in the mid-2014 to a full department that cares and treats around 16 million people in Lake Zone. Being able to be the first and only plastic and reconstructive surgery department in Tanzania and pioneers for Comprehensive cleft care services in collaboration with other departments such as ENT, maxillofacial, anaesthesia, pediatric, nutrition, audiology, social worker ,  speech and language therapy and public relations. Banana leaves dressing for burn wounds and in ward rehabilitation serves for pediatric cases.

We are experts in providing the following services;.

• General Plastic and Reconstructive surgery
• Burn and Injury Services
• Selected cosmetic procedures

TRAINING

As part of the teaching hospital for catholic university of health and Allied sciences (CUHAS), we also teach both Undergraduates and Postgraduates of Cuhas as well as elective students, and capacity building of staffs from other hospitals including nurses.

FUTURE PLANS

Be able to offer the following services in next 5 years

• Microsurgery
• Lymphedema surgery

At least 5 plastic surgeons in next 10 years

Contact us

Internal 

Ext. 248
E-mail: bugandohospital@gmail.com

Dr. John Igenge

Head Of Department

Description

UROLOGY DEPARTMENT

Our Department offers Treatment (both medical and surgical), Care and Health Education to patients, we provide different number of surgeries such as Endoscopic surgeries, TURP, Cytostghescopy, TORBT, TURBX, Ureter scope, electrofulgration, reconstructive surgery, nephrectomy, Varicoceletory, urinary diversion. Training and Research.

We are experts in providing the following services;.

• Endoscopic surgeries, 
• TURP, 
• Cytostghescopy, 
• TORBT,
•  TURBX, 
• Ureter scope, 
• Electrofulgration, 
• Reconstructive surgery, 
• Nephrectomy, 
• Varicoceletory, 
• Urinary diversion.

TRAINING

As part of the teaching Hospital for Catholic University of Health and Allied sciences (CUHAS), we also teach both Undergraduates and Postgraduates and short courses such as Endoscopic Surgeries.

Dr. Edgar Ndaboine

Head of Department

Description

Obstetrics and Gynecology Department

Obstetrics & Gynecology department core duties and functions involves providing clinical care to patients, training health care practitioners (HCPs) and conducting health research with focus on reproductive health, health systems and maternal child health.

The clinical services provided include mainly reproductive health services which broadly involves general gynecology, oncology, urogynecology, minimally access surgeries (MAS), infertility & reproductive endocrinology; and maternal health services which involves antenatal care, Labour & Delivery services, postpartum care, and Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM) for family Planning. 

BMC Obstetrics & Gynecology Department started in 1971 when Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) was officially opened. Since BMC inception, the department has grown from 5-specialists by year 2002 to 17-specilaists by year 2023.

Our team consist of the following:

• 17 Obstetrician & Gynecologist
• 2 Medical officers/Registrars
• 62 Registered nurses
• 12 Enrolled nurses
• 2 Anesthetists
• 4 Theatre nurses
• Early-stage Cervical cancers
• Ovarian Cancers
• Uterine cancers
•  

In collaboration with other units/departments we also provide radical gynecological cancer surgeries and fistula repair surgeries. Again, outreach services and clinical mentorships are provided to all health facilities within Lake Victoria and Western zones as part of on-job training/capacity building and vision of giving back to the community surrounding BMC.

ARCHIEVEMENTS

Contributing to the national efforts geared towards reducing maternal and perinatal deaths since these are among the indicators in the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An increasing number of gynecological cancers who came early for treatment, their lives have been saved through radical surgeries performed by our gyn-oncology team. As part of urogynecology unit, assisting to improve quality of life among fistula patients within lake Zone. Having a number of specialists in pipeline to further their training in various subspecialities such as gynecological oncology and urogynecology. Furthermore, being able to attract various international and national stakeholders aiming at improving quality of training and research which ultimately focus in addressing challenges underpinning maternal health and health systems at large.

We are experts in providing the following services;.

• Gynecological Oncological surgeries
• Genito tract Fistula Services

Vesico vaginal fistula (VVF)

• Rectovaginal fistula (RVF)
• Ureterovaginal fistulas (UVF)
• Minimally Access Surgeries (MAS)
• Diagnostic Laparoscopic surgeries e.g., chronic pelvic pain, infertility
• Curative Laparoscopic surgeries e.g., tubal ligation, ovarian drilling
• Fertility Awareness Methods (FAM)
• Fertility Education & Medical Management (FEMM)

Training

BMC is further a teaching hospital for Catholic University of Health and Allied sciences (CUHAS). We train both undergraduates and postgraduates students at various levels as well we receive elective international students and provide capacity building to health providers from other hospitals including medical doctors and nurses.

FUTURE PLANS

- To be able to offer the following services in next 5 years.

• Advanced Laparoscopic surgeries e.g., myomectomy, hysterectomies

- At least each unit in the department to have at least 2 specialists with sub-specialties in the said main areas in next 10 years.

- The department be divided into various units such as Maternal-feto Medicine, Urogynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Gyno Oncology.

Dr. Christopher Mwanansao

Head Of Department

Description

Ophthalmology Department

The eye department has a long history of providing outstanding eye care services for our patients since late 1970s.

The department offers the most advanced and comprehensive eye care services by highly experienced and trained ophthalmologists, registrars, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses and other health workers who are deeply dedicated to patient eye care.

SERVICES OFFERED

• Comprehensive eye services
• Pediatric ophthalmology services
• Medical retina
• Low vision assessment
• Refraction and spectacles provision
• Ocular prosthesis
• Training
• Research
• Community services

STAFFING

• 6 Ophthalmologist
• 2 Registered doctors
• 5 optometrists
• 9 Ophthalmic nurses
• 9 General nurses
• 8 Medical Attendants
• 4 Project stuffs

 ARCHIEVEMENTS

One of the greatest achievements we have is having a comprehensive eye clinic block that contains almost every eye services

FUTURE PLANS

• Vitreal retina services
• Specialized glaucoma services
• Training program
• Mmed ophthalmology
• Super specialty training

Dr. Rogers M. Machimu

Head of Department

Description

Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Surgery

Bugando Medical Centre (BMC)
Centre of Excellence in ENT, Head & Neck Surgery – Serving the Lake Zone

Overview

The Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Surgery at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) has evolved significantly since its inception as a surgical unit in the mid-1990s. Officially established as a full department in 2015, it now stands as a regional referral hub and Centre of Excellence for ENT care, education, and research in Tanzania’s Lake Zone.

We proudly serve a population of over 22 million people, delivering both routine and highly specialized care across the full spectrum of ENT, head, and neck disorders.

Our Team

We are a multidisciplinary team committed to excellence in patient care, teaching, and research:

• 10 ENT Surgeons
• 1 General Surgeon (Specialized in Craniofacial, Facial Plastic, and Head & Neck Surgery)
• 2 Clinical Audiologists
• 2 Registered Medical Officers
• 13 ENT Nurses
• 3 Trained ENT Theatre Nurses
• 6 Health Assistants

Location & Facilities

• Outpatient Clinics:
  • General Clinics: Tuesdays and Fridays
  • Private Clinics: Monday to Friday
  • Location: 4th Floor, Surgical Clinic Wing
• Inpatient Ward:
  • 9th Floor ;55-bed capacity
  • High Dependency Unit (HDU): 8 beds
• Theatres: Located on the 2nd Floor (Main Hospital Theatre Wing)
• Head of Department Office: 9th Floor, Room D904

Clinical Services

We provide diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of ENT, head, and neck conditions just few to mention:

Ear Disorders

• Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM)
• Otitis Media (Acute/Chronic) and Otitis Externa
• Hearing Loss (Conductive, Sensorineural, Mixed)
• Tinnitus and Balance Disorders (Vertigo, Meniere’s Disease)
• Eardrum Perforations and Ear Trauma
• Congenital Ear Malformations

Nasal & Sinus Conditions

• Allergic Rhinitis
• Chronic Rhinosinusitis (with/without Polyps)
• Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS)
• Epistaxis (Severe/Recurrent Nosebleeds)
• Nasal Trauma
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• Tumors of Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses

Throat & Laryngeal Disorders

• Tonsillitis (Acute/Chronic)
• Adenoid Hypertrophy
• Pharyngitis
• Vocal Cord nodules and paralysis
• Laryngitis, Hoarseness, Vocal Cord Nodules/Polyps
• Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease
• Laryngeal Tumors and Airway Obstruction

Head & Neck Conditions

• Head and Neck Tumors
• Thyroid and Salivary Gland Disorders
• Cervical Lymphadenopathy
• Orofacial Trauma
• Facial Nerve Palsy and Cranial Nerve Disorders

Audiology & Balance Services

A. Diagnostic Audiology

• Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
• Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
• Speech Audiometry
• Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex Testing
• Comprehensive Hearing and Balance Evaluations

B. Hearing Aid Services

• Hearing Aid Selection, Fitting, and Counseling
• Programming and Customization
• Earmold Fabrication and Repair
• Ongoing Maintenance and Aftercare

Speech and Language Therapy Unit

We operate the only comprehensive Speech and Language Therapy Unit in the Lake Zone, offering services for all ages.

1. Speech Therapy

• Articulation & Phonological Disorders
• Stuttering (Fluency Disorders)
• Dysarthria and Apraxia
• Functional and Organic Voice Disorders

2. Language Therapy

• Developmental & Acquired Language Disorders
• Aphasia & Cognitive-Communication Disorders
• Language-Based Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia)

3. Swallowing Therapy

• Management of Congenital, Neurogenic, and Psychogenic Dysphagia
• Rehabilitative and Compensatory Techniques

4. Instrumental Assessments

• Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS)
• Nasopharyngoscopy for Voice and Swallowing
• Indirect Laryngoscopy

5. Hearing Conservation & Outreach

• Newborn and Early Childhood Hearing Screening
• Industrial and School-Based Hearing Programs
• Community Education and Public Awareness

Training & Academic Programs

As an academic partner of the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), we are deeply engaged in medical education:

• Undergraduate Medical and Allied Health Teaching
• Postgraduate ENT Residency (Resuming AY 2025/2026)
• Rotational Training for General Surgery Residents
• Electives and Attachments for International Medical Students
• Annual Tracheostomy Care Workshops for Nurses
• Live and Cadaveric FESS (Endoscopic Sinus Surgery) Workshops
• Audiology and Speech-Language Therapy Trainings
• Newborn Hearing Screening Workshops

Key Achievements

• Transitioned from a unit to a fully-fledged department serving over 16 million people
• Conducts over 800 outpatient visits and 70 elective ENT surgeries monthly
• Hosts the only specialized audiology and speech-language center in the region
• Runs monthly ENT outreach clinics across the Lake Zone to increase access to care

Contact Information

• Internal Ext.: 248
• Email: bugandohospital@gmail.com

Dr. Vihar Kotecha

Head of Department

Description

DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SURGERY

Introduction

The Department of General Surgery is the clinical department under the directorate of surgery. The department has realized a major transformation in services provided, human resources, and infrastructure.

Currently, the department attends over 1160 patients per month in the surgical outpatients’ department and manages over 300 admissions per month. There is a minimum of 260 patients operated on major surgeries each month. These patients are mostly those who are referred from hospitals in the lake region and the western region with a total of eight regions. These patients are in different conditions, some with diseases that need special care under the superspecialist and specialist.

The department is organized into three units namely, gastroenterology, breast & endocrine and pediatric surgery. There are 3 superspecialist, 12 specialists, 2 general practitioners, 3 Nursing Officers, 19 assistant nursing officers and 9 medical attendants. 

Internal collaboration

The Department of General Surgery provides services in collaboration with other departments to complete diagnosis and treatment. Some of those important units are.

• Laboratory for testing of various specimens in the preparation for surgeries and in monitoring progress of treatment. 
• Radiology for the diagnosis of most surgical conditions. There are MRI, CT scan, X-ray, Mammography, Ultrasound, and interventional radiological services
• Oncology department for chemical and radiotherapy cancer treatment before and after surgery
• Physiotherapy department for post-operative exercise care and management of pain
• The nutrition unit in planning the nutrition of our patients before and after surgery.

External collaboration

The department of general surgery has improved its services through collaboration with Muhimbili National hospital in which capacity building is performed through visitation and collaborative camps. Several other partners from out of the country have had outreach camps that improve general care for our patients.

The department has been providing mentorship to the lower-level health facilities in its catchment area that intends to improve service provision to the community.

Services provided by the Department of General Surgery

The Department of General Surgery serves its patients in 3 main areas:

• Surgical clinic: These clinics are run by specialists and superspecialists. Several assessments are performed, investigations are requested, and results are reviewed. Patients who need minor surgical procedures are operated on in the special minor operating room within a clinic.
• General surgery wards: patients who need close attention or major surgery are admitted and seen by teams of doctors led by specialist doctors and superspecialists. There are private and VIP in which those in need can be accommodated. 
• Operating rooms: patients who need major surgeries are provided with these services in three rooms designated for non-emergency surgery and in emergency rooms for emergency patients. There is a special operating room for pediatrics specifically equipped with machines and equipment for pediatric care. There are modern equipment and a laparoscopic tower in one of the theaters in which minimal access surgeries are performed for abdominal surgeries to minimize pain, blood loss, and hospital stay 

Dr Raphael A. Mwita

Head Of Department

Description

We provide surgical treatment for wide range of diseases affecting children of all ages, including newborn and teenagers. It covers a wide range from congenital malformations, acquired surgical conditions, Oncological and urological conditions.
. Advanced practice in bowel management
. Aerodigestive tract program (esophageal reconstruction and gastroesophageal reflux)
. Chronic abdominal conditions i.e appendiceal inflammation
. Colorectal reconstruction (Hirschsprung's disease, anorectal malformations, dysmotility)
. Congenital anomalies and surgery of the newborn
. Pediatric cancer treatment (tumor resections)
. Vascular anomalies (hemangiomas; arteriovenous, venous and lymphatic
    malformations; vascular tumors of infancy)
. Pediatric urological conditions such as hypospadias repair, scrotoplasty, orchidopexy
. We provide minimal invasive surgeries (laparoscopic surgeries)
. We have a special unit for management of Gastroschisis
. We conduct Researches in different pediatric surgical conditions
 

A team of four surgeons work closely with a team of experts from General pediatricians to offer families a full range of treatment options for these children. Commitment to multidisciplinary work also ensures every child is receiving required and standard care.

INTERNAL COLLABORATION
For our efficient performance, we work very closely with the following in our hospital
. General pediatricians who helps us in the medical management of our patients in case
they presents with non-surgical conditions such as heart diseases and notorious
infections
. Laboratory for testing preoperatively preparation for surgeries and controls after surgery.
. Radiology department, helps us in diagnostic imaging for most surgical conditions.
These are MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and Ultrasound.
. Oncology department for chemical and radiotherapy cancer treatment before and after
   surgery
. The nutrition unit , helps us very much in monitoring feeding for our patients before and
   after surgeries

EXTERNAL COLLABORATORS
. We work very closely with our National Hospital- Muhimbili
. All of our surgeons are registered to the association of pediatric surgery in Tanzania
. We are fellows in the College of Surgeons Eastern, central and southern Africa (COSECSA)
. One of our Surgeon (Sr. Dr. Alicia Massenga) is a fellow in an American Pediatric surgical
   Association
. We are all members of Tanzania Surgical Association
. We are collaborating with the Boston Children Hospital from USA, by exchanging    knowledge, skills and experience in managing different pediatric surgical conditions

. We are collaborating with the Mending Kids in provision of colorectal surgeries in our   Hospital
. We are collaborating pediatric Surgeons from German-Rostock, providing us with some supplies in management of Gastroschisis

TRAINING
. As part of Catholic university of Health and allied sciences, CUHAS, we train residents who      are doing General surgery.
. We have been accredited and Registered to Train Pediatric surgery fellowship under          COSECSA, currently we have year two fellow.