DAR ES SALAAM, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Tuesday commended the Peking University International Hospital (PUIH) in China for accepting his request to collaborate with the country's Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI) in conducting joint brain and neurosurgery.

President Magufuli commended PUIH during talks with the Head of Brain and Neurosurgery Department of PUIH, Zhao Yuanli, said a statement released by the Directorate of Presidential Communication at State House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

"Zhao has assured me of continued support towards enhancing the capacity of our national hospital in provision of brain and neurosurgery," said President Magufuli.

The head of state said Tanzanians were forced to spend a lot of money on neurosurgery abroad.

Magufuli praised Zhao, a neurosurgeon, for conducting successful neurosurgery at the MOI.

The President appealed for more Chinese nervous system specialists to exchange experience with Tanzanian doctors.

For his part, Zhao commended President Magufuli for reforms he was undertaking in the health sector.

Ummy Mwalimu, Minister for Health, thanked President Magufuli for facilitating the arrival of neurosurgeons from PUIH.

She also thanked the president for releasing 5.4 million U.S. dollars towards the improvement of medical services at MOI.