Online Reporter
THE Government has made significant progress in its plans to improve access to cancer diagnostic services, funded through the newly introduced Sugar Tax.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said this during the question and answer session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.
He confirmed that the first phase of the initiative, which involved the procurement of cancer treatment equipment, has already been completed through a tender process.
The programme has now entered the second phase, focusing on acquiring critical diagnostic equipment including ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines.
“We are now going to procure diagnostic equipment, and this will be more decentralised. Every hospital should have a CT scan, an MRI and an ultrasound scan. So, we are in the process of doing that,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said tenders for the second phase are expected to be finalised by the end of this year, with the goal of equipping all Provincial and Central Hospitals across the country.
The move is part of a broader effort to enhance early detection and treatment of cancer, which remains a leading cause of death in Zimbabwe.
So far, tenders have been awarded to two companies for the supply of equipment to Parirenyatwa and Mpilo Hospitals with the Government having allocated a total of US$27,5 million for the procurement.
“We have submitted papers to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion for them to pay the 30 percent deposit as per the agreement and in accordance with the suppliers’ instructions,” Dr Mombeshora said.
The Sugar Tax, introduced as part of broader fiscal and public health reforms, is being channelled directly into health infrastructure particularly in areas with high disease burden like cancer.
Meanwhile, Dr Mombeshora urged men over the age of 40 to get screened for colon cancer.
“For colon cancer, we advocate having what we call a colonoscopy, but this can be done once at 40 years and if there are no indications of any abnormalities, then a follow-up of another colonoscopy after about three years,” he said, adding the decentralisation of diagnostic services was expected to improve patient outcomes through earlier detection. — New Ziana
