Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) has partnered with the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) to provide free heart disease and non-communicable disease screening to SGR passengers to commemorate World Heart Day on September 29
The initiative, which runs from September 21 to 27, 2026, gives members of the public travelling on Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) an opportunity to receive free heart health screenings.
Speaking about the initiative, JKCI Executive Director Dr Peter Kisenge said the programme aims to bring healthcare services closer to the public while giving people greater access to screening, care and support.
Dr Kisenge said screening for non-communicable diseases can cost as much as Tsh500,000 at hospitals. Through the partnership between TRC and JKCI, however, passengers visiting stations to purchase tickets, as well as those travelling by train, can access the screening services free of charge.
He said the initiative represents a new approach to delivering healthcare services through the country’s rail network.
“We want to ensure that members of the public receive care and have hope for a longer life. We will provide heart disease and non-communicable disease screening services on board the SGR, and anyone found to have a health problem will be referred for appropriate treatment,” he said.
The plan to provide healthcare services on trains will not end with the World Heart Day activities. Instead, the initiative is intended to develop into an ongoing service for people travelling by SGR.
Rail network as a platform for healthcare
The initiative highlights the potential for railway infrastructure to support the delivery of essential services beyond passenger and freight transportation.
South Africa has operated a similar mobile healthcare initiative since 1994 through the Phelophepa Health Train, which brings healthcare services to communities that may otherwise face long distances to established medical facilities.
The Phelophepa train moves between locations and provides a range of services, including primary healthcare, eye care, dental services, psychological support and pharmacy services.
Tanzania’s initiative similarly seeks to use the country’s growing rail network as an additional platform for bringing healthcare services closer to communities, while providing passengers with access to screening during their journeys.