Zimbabwe to Enhance Cancer Treatment Access with New Radiotherapy Equipment

Zimbabwe is poised to improve cancer treatment access as the Treasury has finalized payments for new radiotherapy machines.

The initial deposits were covered through a US$30 million fund derived from the sugar tax included in the 2024 National Budget.

These state-of-the-art machines are slated for installation at two major hospitals: Harare’s Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, US$5.3 million has been allocated for the procurement, representing a significant investment in the country’s cancer treatment infrastructure.

This initiative marks the largest public sector commitment to cancer care in decades.

In January, a government technical team is scheduled to visit the manufacturer for pre-delivery inspections before the equipment is shipped to Zimbabwe.

As part of the upgrade, older radiotherapy machines at both hospitals will be decommissioned and redeployed to public facilities in Gweru and Masvingo or Chinhoyi, facilitating the creation of additional cancer treatment centers.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora confirmed that the procurement process is on track and that manufacturing is underway.

He emphasized the importance of this investment, noting that it will increase radiotherapy sites from two to four across the nation, thus alleviating patient loads and reducing waiting times for treatment.

Dr. Mombeshora detailed the plan for decommissioning existing machines, stating one will be sent to Gweru to establish a new treatment center, while the older unit from Parirenyatwa is being considered for Masvingo, given its proximity to a developing medical school that could benefit from the equipment for training purposes.

“This initiative represents a major milestone in our efforts to decentralize specialized healthcare,” Dr. Mombeshora remarked.