The Ministry of Health and Child Care has announced that two of four high-tech cancer treatment machines have been procured to provide affordable and accessible radiotherapy services to all citizens.
A statement issued on Wednesday said the two machines have been allocated to the country’s main referral centres in Harare and Bulawayo. Reads the statement:
“The Government of Zimbabwe, through MoHCC, has procured four cancer treatment machines to ensure that life-saving radiotherapy is accessible to all.
“Two of these advanced machines have already arrived in the country; one has been designated for Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, while the other is for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.”
The procurement of the cancer treatment machines is being funded through the Sugar Tax on sugary beverages, which was introduced in the 2024 National Budget.
In 2025, the Treasury paid US$5.3 million in deposits towards the purchase of the equipment to ensure timely delivery and installation.
Last week, Members of Parliament called on the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development to explain how the funds raised through the Sugar Tax are being used.
The levy, introduced on 1 January 2024, was intended both to curb excessive sugar consumption and to generate revenue for the treatment of lifestyle-related illnesses, including cancer.
Initially set at US$0.02 per gram, the tax was reduced to US$0.001 per gram in February 2024 following objections from industry.
By the end of last year, authorities reported collecting over US$30 million from the levy.
Bulawayo Central MP Surrender Kapoikilu said the radiotherapy department at Mpilo Central Hospital had not treated a single patient since 2022.
Chipinge MP Clifford Hlatshwayo also called for greater transparency, insisting that taxpayers have a right to know exactly how the revenue is being spent.
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