Exploring Healthcare at St. Joseph Hospital (Moshi, Tanzania)

 In Tanzania, the east African country carrying Mt. Kilimanjaro and numerous local butterflies and flowers, the healthcare services offered to patients at St. Joseph Hospital is quite unique. Due to collaborative efforts between the catholic church and government, the hospital is able to cater to thousands of patients through different services including outpatient & inpatient care, labour, trauma, pharmacy and ambulance services. Despite its low patient to physician ratio, the health professionals work hard to cater to their patients and St. Joseph boasts of advanced medical technology such as the laparoscopic devices for performing minimally invasive surgeries. In addition, their canteen services provide the atmosphere for relaxing interactions between patients and staff, while offering masala tea and (Mandazi) fried tough—similar to the ones my host family and I enjoyed in the mornings. My time in Moshi, Tanzania offered a different perspective on the healthcare system and life, and encouraged self growth, and some intensive Swahili learning.