Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
[email protected]
THE arrival of two 22-tonne TrueBeam high-energy Linear Accelerators (LINACs) in Zimbabwe marks a major milestone in the country’s fight against cancer, bringing some of the most advanced radiotherapy technology currently available in the world.
The state-of-the-art machines arrived in Bulawayo on Friday and are set to be installed at Mpilo Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, significantly enhancing the country’s cancer treatment capacity.
Speaking during the offloading of the equipment, Select Healthcare managing director Mr Biggie Magarira described the development as a game changer for Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector.
“We are really excited that we are bringing new, innovative systems to treat cancer in the southern part of the country. We are also excited to partner Government in enhancing health for all in Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Magarira said the TrueBeam system is among the latest radiotherapy technologies on the global market and comes with a comprehensive maintenance contract and warranty to ensure long-term reliability and uninterrupted service delivery.
He said Select Healthcare has assembled a team of highly qualified engineers who will oversee maintenance and provide technical support throughout the warranty period.
Beyond its treatment capabilities, the equipment incorporates advanced remote connectivity technology, enabling engineers and specialists to monitor system performance in real time and provide technical assistance from different locations.
In a significant technological advancement, the TrueBeam system can image patients during treatment, reducing dependence on separate CT scanning procedures and improving precision in radiotherapy delivery.
Mr Magarira said procuring the sophisticated equipment was a complex process that took nearly six months from manufacturing to final delivery.
“This came by air because we wanted things to happen quickly. We could not wait for sea freight given the delays being experienced globally. The entire 44 tonnes of equipment arrived within three days, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring the project moves forward without delay,” he said.
Installation of the first machine at Mpilo Central Hospital is expected to begin by the end of this month, while preparations are underway for the installation of the second machine at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
The introduction of the advanced LINACs is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s cancer management capacity, improve access to specialised radiotherapy services and reduce the need for patients to travel outside the country in search of treatment.
The development comes as Zimbabwe continues to invest in modernising its health sector infrastructure and expanding access to specialised medical services, particularly for non-communicable diseases such as cancer, which remain a growing public health concern.
