Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Reporter
Government is finalising the procurement of new advanced cancer diagnostic equipment as installation of new radiotherapy machines at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital nears completion, marking the next stage of efforts to strengthen specialised oncology services in the country.
The move is expected to complement the ongoing installation of six major radiotherapy machines – two linear accelerators and a CT simulator for each hospital – procured through the Sugar Tax facility to decentralise cancer treatment and expand access to specialised healthcare services.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Aspect Maunganidze said the next phase of the programme will focus on strengthening cancer diagnosis through additional laboratory and imaging equipment, ensuring that patients have access to the full cancer care pathway from early detection to treatment and follow-up.
He said the approach seeks to ensure that investments cover the entire cancer management process.
“The investments are part of Government’s broader commitment to strengthening specialised health services and ensuring that Zimbabweans have improved access to modern cancer diagnosis and treatment within the country,” said Dr Maunganidze.
The six radiotherapy machines were procured under the Sugar Tax facility which was introduced to support interventions targeting non-communicable diseases, including cancer.
Dr Maunganidze said installation teams are making significant progress at both central hospitals, with the first low-energy linear accelerator at Parirenyatwa now 97 percent complete and staff training already underway.
“Installation of the low-energy linear accelerator is approximately 97 percent complete, with staff training already underway,” he said.
“Installation of the second linear accelerator will follow the completion of the necessary bunker works, while the CT simulator will be installed following completion of the required room preparations.”
At Mpilo Central Hospital, installation of the low-energy linear accelerator is approximately 60 percent complete, while installation of the multi-energy linear accelerator has reached about 10 percent.
Preparatory work for the CT simulator installation has also been completed, with the machine expected to be installed once it is delivered and remaining technical works are concluded.
Linear accelerators are specialised machines that deliver high-energy radiation beams used in the treatment of cancer by targeting tumours while limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
CT simulators, meanwhile, use advanced imaging technology to map the location and size of tumours, allowing doctors to accurately plan radiotherapy treatment for individual patients.
Dr Maunganidze said the Ministry is working with technical partners to accelerate commissioning of the equipment and train healthcare workers who will operate the new equipment.
“The Ministry is targeting completion of the ongoing installation and commissioning programme during the second half of 2026, subject to the completion of the required civil and technical works,” he said.
The expansion of cancer diagnostic capacity is expected to address one of the major challenges affecting cancer care – late detection.
Health experts have long highlighted that early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes by allowing patients to receive appropriate care before diseases advance.
“The next phase will focus primarily on strengthening the diagnostic component of cancer care, including laboratory and imaging equipment,” he said.
By strengthening both diagnostic and treatment capacity, authorities expect to reduce delays in accessing care, improve referral systems and reduce the number of patients who have to travel outside the country for specialised cancer services.
The latest developments build on the Government’s broader efforts to modernise specialised healthcare services through investments in infrastructure, equipment and human resources development.
Dr Maunganidze said the Government’s long-term objective is to ensure that Zimbabwe develops a comprehensive cancer care system that supports patients from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.
