Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora says the government is working to increase the number of specialist radio-oncologists and expand cancer treatment services to more parts of the country.
Speaking in the Senate on Thursday, Mombeshora said Zimbabwe has long struggled with a shortage of radio-oncologists, a challenge that has limited the establishment of cancer treatment centres outside the country’s major cities.
To address the gap, he said the country has started training radio-oncology specialists locally through the University of Zimbabwe, a move expected to strengthen cancer care capacity in the coming years.
Mombeshora added that new radiotherapy equipment has already been installed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, while the installation of a second machine at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo is at an advanced stage.
He was responding to questions from legislators seeking clarity on access to the newly acquired cancer treatment machines and the government’s broader plans to improve healthcare services.
Masvingo Senator Robson Mavhenyengwa had asked how disadvantaged patients, particularly those living in remote areas, would benefit from the new facilities, given the high costs of travelling to Harare and Bulawayo for treatment.
“The new machine, which arrived, has already been installed at Parirenyatwa. Another one is about 85 per cent installed in Bulawayo,” said Mombeshora.
Mombeshora said the radiotherapy machine currently being replaced at Mpilo Central Hospital will be moved to Gweru, as part of the government’s wider plan to decentralise cancer treatment services across the country.
He said the strategy is focused on provinces that have medical training institutions, allowing doctors to gain hands-on experience with the equipment while at the same time improving access to treatment for patients living outside Harare and Bulawayo.
According to Mombeshora, the government’s long-term goal is to ensure that every province has its own cancer treatment centre, reducing the burden on patients who currently have to travel long distances to access specialised care.
He added that plans are already underway to establish cancer treatment facilities in Masvingo through a Presidential health infrastructure programme.
“These machines must be found in every provincial hospital. We are also installing machines that are going to examine the types of cancer from the samples taken from people,” he said.
Mombeshora said cancer cases are on the rise and stressed the need to focus on prevention through greater public awareness, healthier lifestyles and the promotion of traditional foods.
More: The Herald
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