Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
THE installation of a new radiotherapy machine at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, funded through revenue generated from Zimbabwe’s sugar tax, has marked a major step in Government’s drive to modernise cancer treatment and expand access to life-saving oncology services.
The low-energy radiotherapy machine, currently being installed at the country’s largest referral hospital, forms part of a US$27 million first-phase investment programme aimed at strengthening cancer care infrastructure and reducing treatment backlogs.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, and Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, toured the facility on Monday to assess progress on the installation.
Professor Ncube said it was encouraging to see proceeds from the sugar tax being directed towards improving healthcare services as originally intended.
“I am pleased to see that the tax on beverages with high sugar content is being put to good use, exactly as intended,” he said.
“This radiotherapy machine has been delivered and is currently being installed. According to the technicians, it should be operational within the next few weeks.”
The Finance Minister said the sugar tax will continue generating resources for investments in cancer treatment equipment, medicines and other critical health services.
“This is not a one-off tax. Every month and every year, resources continue to be raised and directed towards further procurement of equipment, medicines and other materials required to strengthen cancer care,” said Professor Ncube.
“Our expectation is that within the next two years there will be a complete transformation of radiotherapy services across the entire cancer treatment value chain.”
Under the first phase of the programme, Government has procured four radiotherapy machines — two multi-energy and two low-energy units — together with two CT simulation scanners for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital.
Dr Mombeshora said the equipment will significantly enhance cancer treatment capacity at the two institutions.
“In the first phase, we procured four radiotherapy machines: two multi-energy and two low-energy units. The machine being installed here is one of the low-energy machines. The total cost of the first phase is approximately US$27 million,” he said.
“One low-energy machine and one multi-energy machine will be installed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, while the other two machines will be installed at Mpilo Central Hospital.”
He added that the CT simulation scanners will improve treatment planning and precision in cancer management.
Government is now preparing for the second phase of the programme, which will focus on strengthening cancer diagnosis through the procurement of advanced diagnostic equipment.
“The second phase will focus mainly on the procurement of diagnostic equipment to enhance the early detection of cancer. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes,” said Dr Mombeshora.
“At present, most cancers are diagnosed at the third or fourth stage, making them much more difficult to manage.”
The new equipment is expected to help clear a backlog of approximately 800 cancer patients currently awaiting treatment.
Authorities also revealed plans to decentralise cancer treatment services beyond Harare and Bulawayo, with Chinhoyi, Gweru and Mutare earmarked for future expansion as more oncology specialists are trained.
Health officials say the installation of the radiotherapy machine represents one of the first tangible outcomes of the sugar tax policy and is expected to improve access to treatment while laying the foundation for a more modern, efficient and accessible cancer care system.
