ZANZIBAR government has expressed wish for open heart surgeries to be conducted in the country to make the service accessible to more needy persons.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam at a brief ceremony to bid farewell to 37 children diagnosed with heart complications who were leaving for treatment India, the Acting Permanent Secretary to Zanzibar Ministry of Health, Ms Regina Kikuli thanked all who have contributed to facilitate travel of the patients to India.

"With ongoing efforts by the government to improve health services in the country, more open heart operations will be conducted at the Muhimbili National Hospital", said Ms Kikuli. Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the Chairman of Regency Medical Centre, Dr Rajni Kanabar said the Lions Club of Dar es Salaam in collaboration with Zanzibar Ministry of Health and Satya Sai Society of Dar es Salaam were among the organizers of the necessary trip.

He said the operations would be undertaken at Narahana Hrudayalaya Heart institute Bangalore, and Fortis Escort Heart Institute in New Delhi at subsidized costs. It was further explained that the sponsored trip dubbed as "New Lease of life" to the suffering children was part of celebrations to mark the 50th Anniversary of Lions club.

According to Dr Kanabar, the centre (Regency) has facilitated on diagnosis and provided the medical reports in addition to other arrangements, while the ministry of Health in Zanzibar has sponsored seven children giving air tickets and escorts by three medical staff members.

"Narayana hospital in India has completed all preparations including meeting the patients at the airport and hospital admission of the 18 children at concession rate of 2,500 US dollars," he said. Dr Kanabar said Fortis Escorts Institute in New Delhi has also made some arrangements like those made by Narayana, where 20 patients will be admitted.

Sri Satya Sai society Tanzania provided nine air tickets, while SriSatya Sai hospital Heart Institute will perform 10 free heart surgeries. He also thanked Chef Kapoor for donating 1,000 US dollars and presenting a show at Serena Hotel.

Mr Ranjeev Kapoor arranged a fund raising gala in collaboration with Lions Club of Dar es Salaam where 23,000 US dollars was realized. Other sponsors include Shivacom that donated 2,500 US dollars for one heart patient and 1,500 dollars for promotional advertisements.