Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has reopened its radiotherapy unit after it had closed for two and half years, bringing relief to cancer patients who have been forced to pay exorbitant fees in the private hospitals.
However, the hospital states that there are challenges in terms of few of its staff taking refresher courses to orient them with the radiotherapy machines.
At maximum, this department can cater for sixty patients on a single day. Currently, only ten patients are undergoing treatment, as confirmed by Nothando Mutizira, who works as the Head of Parirenyatwa’s Radiology Department.
In her interaction with the media yesterday, Dr. Mutizira said that out of the many affected areas, there is one radiotherapy unit that he has confirmed has been repaired and is functional. Because of the low capacity, the hospital has been admitting patients based on the severity of their illness.
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The Ministry of Health and Child Care stated that arrangements for the said machines will involve sourcing a three-year service contract that will help avoid future complications.
“Given the prolonged downtime, the Ministry secured a service contract for these machines, effective for three years. The purpose of the service contract is to ensure timely repairs and reduced downtime.” Mutizira said.
This is a welcome development for cancer patients as private hospitals charge high fees of between $5,000 to as high as $10,000 to offer twenty-five radiotherapy sessions.
As much as Parirenyatwa’s unit is competitive, the majority of the patients are forced to settle for the cheapest rates offered.
Cancer is among the major health challenges in Zimbabwe, with at least 5,000 new cases registered per year and at least 1,500 deaths a year, a Health Ministry survey reveals.
