In a significant stride toward enhancing healthcare delivery, the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) has officially handed over the construction site for a state-of-the-art Specialist Health Center to the contracted builder. The project, valued at TZS 4.9 billion, marks a major milestone in the institution’s commitment to supporting both its internal community and the broader public through advanced medical services.

The planned facility is envisioned as a hub for specialized care, designed to serve patients requiring treatment from medical specialists. By establishing this center, NM-AIST aims to bridge critical gaps in access to advanced healthcare, especially for residents in surrounding areas who currently face long travel distances to receive expert medical attention.

During the handover event, NM-AIST Vice Chancellor Prof. Maulilio Kipanyula reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to quality and timely delivery of the project.

“We envision a facility that not only serves our community but also uplifts the standard of healthcare in the region. This investment reflects our broader mission to contribute meaningfully to national development,” Prof. Kipanyula stated.

The construction contract was awarded to Engineer Omar Kiure of Kiure Construction Company, who is tasked with ensuring the project meets all technical and regulatory standards. The site handover was facilitated by Architect Ismail Mvungi, the project’s associate consultant, in the presence of Engineer Wilhandrus Karumuna.

Adding to the institution’s perspective on the project’s impact, NM-AIST’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Kileo, expressed optimism about the facility’s future.

“Upon completion, this center will play a transformative role in providing accessible specialist services to the local population. It will especially benefit patients dealing with complex conditions that currently require referrals to distant hospitals,” he explained.

The development will proceed in phases, with the first phase budgeted at TZS 1.3 billion. Full completion is anticipated within a three-year timeframe, setting the stage for NM-AIST to become a leader not only in science and technology but also in health service innovation.