The Emergency Medicine Department (EMD) at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, officially opened in November 2017, stands as a beacon of hope and urgent care. Once known as the Outpatient and Casualty Department, the EMD is now a critical lifeline for acutely and critically ill patients, those injured, and emergency referrals from across the southern highlands of Tanzania.

Every day, the EMD serves 70-120 patients, including pediatrics, medical, surgical, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedic, traumatic, and psychiatric emergencies. Our department is equipped with 18 beds for critically ill patients and 4 treatment rooms, expandable to 50 beds during mass casualty events. Operating 24/7, our dedicated team of trained nurses, general practitioners, and emergency medicine physicians ensures that no cry for help goes unanswered.

The EMD is a hub of learning and innovation. We support the training of undergraduate medical students from the University of Dar es Salaam’s Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences (UDSM-MCHAS) and offer short courses in emergency medicine to both local and international participants. Courses include Community First Aid (CFA), Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Primary Trauma Care (PTC). Our commitment to research drives evidence-based care practices, enhancing the quality of healthcare in the southern highlands.

Collaboration is key to our mission. We partner with local and international institutions, including the Emergency Medicine Association of Tanzania, Muhimbili National Hospital EMD, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Department of Emergency Medicine South Carolina, and North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. Together, we work towards sustainable, effective emergency care services for all.

At Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital’s EMD, we are more than just a department; we are a lifeline, a training ground, and a center of innovation. We are committed to saving lives, educating future healthcare providers, and advancing emergency medical care in Tanzania and beyond. Join us in our mission to make every second count when it matters most.