Zambia Partners with Siemens Healthineers to Upgrade Cancer Hospital
The Government, led by the Ministry of Health, has forged a groundbreaking partnership with Siemens Healthineers, aims to revitalize and modernize the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH), heralding a new era in cancer treatment within the nation.
Honorable Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Health, heralded the occasion as a pivotal moment in Zambia’s healthcare landscape. The commencement of the refurbishment and re-equipping of CDH signifies a crucial milestone towards bolstering cancer care infrastructure in the country.
With Zambia grappling with a population exceeding 20 million, the staggering statistics reveal an annual average of 15,296 new cancer cases, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare interventions.
Cervical cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and oesophagus cancer emerge as the leading contributors to this burden, while childhood cancers, though curable, impose significant mortality rates.
In response, the Zambian government has committed to decentralizing cancer services to enhance accessibility and quality of care. The National Cancer Control Strategic Plan (2022-2026) underscores the prioritization of breast, prostate, colorectal, cervical, and childhood cancers for comprehensive control measures.
Despite the commendable efforts of CDH, outdated equipment has hampered its efficacy. Minister Masebo acknowledged the dire situation, emphasizing the critical need for modernization. The machinery installed in 2006, 2010, and 2014 has long surpassed its operational lifespan, necessitating urgent replacement.
Through securing funding and meticulous procurement processes, the Ministry of Health has entrusted Siemens Healthineers with the task of providing a comprehensive radiotherapy turn-key solution for CDH.
The ambitious project encompasses the removal of dilapidated equipment, structural rehabilitation, and the installation of cutting-edge diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy facilities.
The reequipping initiative boasts an impressive array of state-of-the-art equipment, including four linear accelerators, two brachytherapy units, CT scan simulators, MRI, and a mammography unit. These advancements are poised to revolutionize cancer detection and treatment in Zambia, offering hope to thousands of patients in need.
Upon completion of the project, CDH aims to emerge as a regional center of excellence for cancer detection and treatment. The restoration of radiotherapy services, expected within six months of commencement, promises far-reaching benefits.
Increased access to quality healthcare, improved survival rates through early diagnosis and treatment, enhanced productivity for families, and redirected budget allocations for international treatment signify a transformative shift towards sustainable healthcare development in Zambia.
