Online Reporter
Trust Freddy, [email protected]
Zimbabwe has taken delivery of the first two of four high-tech cancer treatment machines, marking a major milestone in the Second Republic’s commitment to providing world-class, affordable and accessible radiotherapy services to all citizens.
The advanced medical equipment is part of a broader Government drive to modernise the country’s health delivery system and decentralise specialised services under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
A statement from the Ministry of Health and Child Care issued yesterday said the two machines have already been designated for the nation’s primary referral centres.
“The Government of Zimbabwe through MoHCC (Ministry of Health and Child Care) has procured four cancer treatment machines to ensure that life-saving radiotherapy is accessible to all,” reads the statement.
“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 ministry said.
The procurement of the machines is being funded through the Sugar Tax on sugary beverages introduced in the 2024 National Budget.
Last year, Treasury paid US$5,3 million in deposits towards the acquisition of the equipment to ensure timely delivery and installation.
The arrival of the first consignment follows confirmation by Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora that renovations of radiation bunkers at Parirenyatwa and Mpilo were well advanced to accommodate the new technology.
Dr Mombeshora recently noted that as the new equipment is commissioned, older machines from the referral centres will be decommissioned and redeployed to provincial facilities, including Gweru Provincial Hospital, to create a third radiotherapy hub.
The expansion of public radiotherapy services is expected to bring major relief to thousands of Zimbabweans living with cancer, many of whom have struggled to access affordable treatment.
Presently, private chemotherapy costs range from US$100 to US$1 000 per dose, while radiotherapy can cost between US$5 000 and US$10 000 per course.
Surgical procedures can range from US$1 000 to US$10 000 depending on complexity, with many patients requiring multiple rounds of treatment.
Treasury recently revealed that the equipment package includes Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, fusion and syringe pumps, vital signs monitors, fluid warmers, gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, point-of-care blood gas analysers, chemistry analysers and video laryngoscopes.
These technologies will strengthen cancer diagnosis, improve treatment precision, enhance intensive care services and modernise surgical and emergency care across major referral hospitals.
The deployment of these machines is expected to bring immediate relief to thousands of cancer patients who previously faced high costs in the private sector, where radiotherapy courses can range between US$5 000 and US$10 000.
