By IRVIN MUYUMBWA
GOVERNMENT has disclosed that in the last three years, Zambia has faced challenges in sustaining radiotherapy services because of outdated equipment at the Cancer Diseases Hospital.
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati said the government, therefore, plans to prioritise revamping the hospital’s radiotherapy section arising from a reduction in the number of patients accessing the facility due to challenges.
Mr. Mutati said in the last 15 years of providing radiotherapy services, 33, 000 new cancer patients have been attended to while the Cancer Diseases Hospital was seeing about 3, 000 new cancer patients a year, but the numbers have since reduced due to the situation.
Mr. Mutati said the government also recognises the need to control cancer using the primary health care approach to achieve universal health coverage and it is for this reason that the Second National Cancer Control Strategic Plan (2022–2026) has been developed.
He said the cancer control strategic plan will be the basis for a national response to the burden of cancer.
He was speaking at the 66th regular session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 2022 general conference in Vienna on Monday.
And Mr. Mutati said Government was working towards implementing a cost-sharing plan with the IAEA to procure equipment needed for expanded nuclear medicine applications and improved provision of health services using nuclear techniques.
He said Zambia was also completing the bankable document on the replacement and refurbishment of radiotherapy equipment, which is being reviewed by the IAEA.
Mr. Mutati said it is hoped that the document will be used to guide the Rays of Hope assistance which Zambia requested be considered as it works towards revamping the Cancer Diseases Hospital.
