Nestled in the serene Southern Highlands of Tanzania, almost 2050m above sea level, Consolata Hospital Ikonda has been a beacon of hope and healing since its inception in 1963. Established by the Consolata Missionaries, the hospital was inaugurated by the founding father of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere, on October 7, 1968.
By Isaack Mdindile *
Originally designed to cater to the basic healthcare needs of a rural population, the hospital over the years has grown exponentially, both in terms of infrastructure and services. Registered with the Ministry of Health in 1997, Consolata Hospital Ikonda is recognized as a Charitable Institution and has earned memberships with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC). Today, with a capacity of 404 beds, the hospital receives between 300 and 350 outpatients daily, drawing patients from various districts and regions across Tanzania.
There are currently five Consolata missionaries working on the Hospital Team: Father William Mkalula, Father Marco Turra, Father Isaack Mdindile, Father Zubia and Brother Nahashon.
The Consolata Hospital Ikonda prides itself on offering a comprehensive range of medical services. The hospital also features specialized clinics for tuberculosis and HIV care. The hospital’s surgical department operates six major operating rooms and is capable of performing both minor and major surgical procedures. Maternity care remains a cornerstone of the hospital’s services, with a strong emphasis on safe deliveries and maternal health care. The hospital provides free accommodation for mothers from the local area, as well as low-cost delivery services. The hospital engages in community outreach programs, offering free medical services to children under ten from the Makete District.
Consolata Hospital Ikonda stands out not only for its diverse range of medical professionals but also for its unwavering commitment to delivering compassionate and quality healthcare.
Consolata Hospital Ikonda is staffed by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, comprising various specialities to ensure comprehensive patient care. This reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing diverse and high-quality medical services to the community. The hospital’s medical team is complemented by volunteer specialists from Europe, providing invaluable support to local healthcare professionals.
At the heart of Consolata Hospital Ikonda’s operations there is a patient-centered approach. The hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate care, ensuring that each patient is treated with dignity and respect. In 2023, the hospital reported over 17,000 admissions, with thousands of outpatient visits and surgical procedures performed. The hospital’s reputation for quality care is evident in the consistently positive feedback from patients and their families. Many patients express gratitude for the attentive care they receive, citing the hospital’s staff as a significant factor in their healing journeys.
As the hospital continues to evolve and expand its services, it remains steadfast in its goal to provide exceptional healthcare for all. “Caring for Lives, Empowering Futures.”
* Fr. Isaack Mdindile, IMC, Consolata Hospital Ikonda, Tanzania.
