Online Reporter
Acting President Kembo Mohadi is expected to hand over cancer equipment to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo this Friday morning.
The equipment is being donated by Dr Mary Nyakabau an Oncologist.
Cancer equipment has been the missing link in the country’s efforts to detect and treat patients who have been seeking treatment beyond borders.
Mpilo, which is the country’s other centre besides Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare that offers treatment for cancer patients, has been facing a shortage in vital equipment.
Government introduced the Sugar Tax to ensure that the Ministry of Health and Child Care secures the critical equipment.
The Minister of Health Dr Douglas Mombeshora, his Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze, Mpilo Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Narcissus Dzvanga and the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Province Judith Ncube have arrived for the handover.
Health and Gender Editor, Robin Muchetu and Chief Photographer, Eliah Saushoma are covering the donation and will give us live updates.
Minister Ncube Thanks Cancer Save for Chemotherapy Chairs Donation
Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube has paid gratitude to Cancer Save for the donation of the Chemotherapy chairs to the hospital.
She noted that Mpilo serves as a catchment area for Matabeleland North, South, Midlands and parts of Masvingo.
Minister Ncube said the hospital had been using ordinary chairs for chemotherapy treatment chairs which are not comfortable.
She said the chairs help to reduce fatigue and pain for the sessions which are usually long.
“Every Small Step Counts”: Dr Nyakabau
FOUNDER of Cancer Save, Dr Mary Nyakabau has said the donations of the cancer chairs was after realising that palliative care improves the quality of life of Cancer patients.
“Today is a day of joy, fulfillment and gratitude. I am overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment and humility. This is more than a donation of chairs but the realisation of a dream,” she said
She noted that this milestone was not reached by Cancer Save alone but by many others as a collective.
Dr Nyakabau revealed that the 20 chairs will be shared equally between Mpilo and Parirenyatwa Hosptal in Harare
She said the presence of the Acting President means a lot to the communities that benefit from the Hospital’s Cancer Centre.
“May this achievement continue to inspire us; every small step brings us closer to a brighter future for those with cancer”.
Zimbabwe to expand cancer care services nationwide – Health Minister
THE Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, has acknowledged the country’s efforts to improve cancer care services, outlining plans to expand healthcare access nationwide.
Dr Mombeshora noted that Dr Nyakabau, a key figure in the fight against cancer, is one of his former classmates from their University of Zimbabwe training days.
He expressed gratitude for the kind gesture made by Cancer Save in supporting health initiatives.
“Don’t always look and talk about the negatives, also highlight the good work that health workers do under difficult circumstances. Zimbabwe is praised and ranked quite high by WHO,” said Dr Mombeshora.
The Minister revealed that the vacancy rate in the health sector has dropped from 13 percent to nine percent, but emphasized that the shortage of specialists remains a major challenge.
“I was in Cuba trying to recruit specialists while we train our own. But these are very few and we only managed to get one specialist for cancer treatment. They will also train locals to gain experience,” he said.
He also highlighted efforts to improve medical equipment maintenance, stating, “We are now getting service agreements for the equipment we have secured so that the equipment is serviced when there is need.”
Dr Mombeshora outlined plans to decentralise cancer screening services to provincial hospitals, aiming to equip all such facilities with screening machines by the end of the year.
Addressing broader healthcare access, the Minister pointed out that many Zimbabweans are currently unable to access essential health services. He announced that the upcoming National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme will enable every resident to receive free healthcare at all public institutions.
“No nation will prosper with weaklings, we need healthy and fit individuals,” Dr. Mombeshora said, adding that the NHI is scheduled to be operational by June 2026.
Acting President Mohadi Pledges Support in Cancer Fight
Acting President Mohadi has donated a further 20 chemotherapy chairs, which will be used to aid the country’s fight against cancer.
The Acting President made this pledge while thanking Cancer Save for their generous donation of 20 specialised treatment chairs aimed at improving comfort for cancer patients in Zimbabwe.
Of the donated chairs, 10 will go to Mpilo Hospital and another 10 to Parirenyatwa Hospital, the two leading cancer treatment facilities in Zimbabwe.
In a show of further support, Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora announced that he would also donate an additional 20 chairs to complement the current donation
“These chairs will directly benefit cancer patients across the country,” said Acting President Mohadi. “We have witnessed how united action can lead to remarkable success.”
“These facilities are at the forefront of cancer treatment in Zimbabwe. This donation will go a long way in increasing comfort for patients during the five hours they undergo treatment,” the Acting President noted.
He gave special recognition to Dr Nyakabau, praising her dedication to the fight against cancer. “Your commitment has inspired many and brought us all together today,” he said.
The Acting President also acknowledged the efforts of St John’s College and the McGuire family for their generous contributions.
“This is a symbol of hope for cancer patients. It’s a reminder that when we work together, we can make meaningful strides in the treatment of cancer. Let this day encourage all of us to find collaborative ways to improve healthcare for our people,” he added.
He also urged Zimbabweans to join the fight against cancer and support the Ministry of Health and caregivers. “Your efforts will not be forgotten. We need to be united and supportive in this important cause,” he said.
