Online Reporter
Tanyaradzwa Rusike
THE Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) has approved the awarding of tenders for the procurement of radiotherapy machines used in cancer treatment, which will be installed at two major public hospitals, it has been learnt.
The companies that won the bids will be named once contracts are formally signed, according to health authorities.
The equipment, to be installed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital, will be procured using part of the US$30 million generated through the sugar tax introduced in the 2024 National Budget.
This health levy, imposed on sugar-sweetened beverages to curb non-communicable diseases, is being channelled towards strengthening critical healthcare infrastructure.
The companies are set to be contracted to purchase high-tech radiotherapy equipment, including linear accelerators, brachytherapy machines and stereotactic radiosurgery units — commonly known as gamma knives.
These machines are essential for the treatment of various cancers and will significantly bolster the capacity of Zimbabwe’s public health system to deliver specialised oncology care.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Aspect Maunganidze said the authorities were now proceeding to issue contracts to winning bidders.
“PRAZ approved our tender submissions, the mandatory stand-down time elapsed and there were no contestations,” said Dr Maunganidze.
He said the names of the companies awarded the tenders will be made public once contracts are formally signed.
“We can only divulge information after contract signing.
“No local companies manufacture such equipment, but international manufacturers have local agents who participated in the tender.”
As part of a broader Government initiative to decentralise cancer care services, functional equipment currently in use at Parirenyatwa and Mpilo will be relocated to Gweru Provincial Hospital and Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare.
This move will expand the number of public facilities offering radiotherapy from two to four, improving access to affordable cancer treatment, particularly for patients outside the major cities.
Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, used either alone or alongside surgery and chemotherapy.
Linear accelerators — the most common radiotherapy machines — deliver high-energy X-rays or electrons with precision to destroy tumours while sparing healthy tissue. Brachytherapy machines offer internal radiation treatment, placing radioactive sources directly inside or near the tumour.
They are effective for cancers such as cervical, prostate, breast and skin.
Stereotactic radiosurgery units deliver focused beams of radiation in one or a few sessions, often used to treat brain and spinal tumours with minimal invasiveness.
The Government’s investment in cancer treatment is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of Zimbabwean cancer patients, who currently rely on expensive private healthcare services.
Cancer treatment in the private sector remains largely unaffordable for most citizens.
Chemotherapy drugs can cost between US$100 and US$1 000 per dose, while a full course of radiotherapy may range from US$5 000 to US$10 000.
Surgery, depending on complexity and type, can cost between US$1 000 and US$10 000.
Many patients require multiple rounds of treatment depending on their cancer type and stage.
Public health expert and president of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe Dr Johannes Marisa welcomed the development, calling it a major milestone for the country’s health delivery system.
“Cancer treatment has been quite difficult in Zimbabwe,” he said.
“Cancer treatment has been quite expensive, and a lot of people cannot even afford cancer diagnostics.
“So, if this money is going to be channelled towards cancer prevention, treatment and general management, then we are better off as a country.
“By acquiring more machines, it means that the treatment costs go down.
“Remember, we are currently running with two machines, one at Parirenyatwa and the other one at Mpilo Hospital.
“So, this is a very good milestone that we should celebrate, something that will change the face of our health delivery system.”
