Government installs new cancer treatment machines at Mpilo Hospital

THE Government has begun decommissioning ageing cancer treatment machines at Mpilo Central Hospital, paving the way for the installation of new high and low-energy radiotherapy machines funded through the sugar tax.

The old equipment, which has for years been central to cancer treatment for patients across the southern region, is now being dismantled to prepare the facility for the installation of modern machines expected to significantly expand treatment capacity.

Mpilo Central Hospital biomedical technician Mr Vulindlela Dube said the process is being carried out carefully to ensure the facility is ready for the new technology.

“We are safely decommissioning the old machines that have reached the end of their operational life. This process ensures the facility is prepared for the installation of the new low and high-energy radiotherapy machines, which will significantly improve efficiency and reliability in cancer treatment,” he said.

Medical Physicist Mr Charles Matope said the new machines will greatly improve the hospital’s ability to treat patients.

“With the current equipment that is being decommissioned, we were constrained in terms of patient numbers and downtime. With the new machines, we anticipate treating between 30 and 40 patients daily, compared to about 10 to 20 patients after a fortnight previously, which represents a significant improvement in access to life-saving care,” he noted.

The installation of the new radiotherapy equipment is expected to reduce waiting times for treatment, a challenge many cancer patients have previously faced.

Director of Operations at Mpilo Central Hospital Mr Phineas Sithole said the new machines are designed to operate even during power disruptions.

“The new radiotherapy machines come with backup battery systems, which allow them to continue operating even when there is a power disruption. When you combine that with the solar power system already installed here at Mpilo Central Hospital, it means cancer treatment services will run uninterrupted,” he said.

The Government says the sugar tax is already delivering tangible improvements in the health sector.

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Sleiman Kwidini, said the levy is being used to procure critical cancer treatment equipment.

“The sugar tax is being strategically utilised to procure critical cancer treatment equipment such as these radiotherapy machines. This initiative ensures that our health financing policies are aligned with national health priorities, and we will continue to roll out similar equipment across major hospitals in Zimbabwe,” he said.

The decommissioning of the ageing machines marks a new phase in cancer treatment at Mpilo Central Hospital, as Government continues investing in modern equipment and health infrastructure to strengthen universal health coverage and improve access to life-saving services. Source ZBCNews