Malawi: The Ministry of Health in the government of Malawi are opening up radiology services to the people in need of treatment. The Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda toured the radiology facility that is currently under construction.
The visit to the Cancer Centre was part of the 2024 World Cancer Day Commemoration.
According to the Ministry of Health estimates, Malawi has over 120 patients with cancer currently queuing for radiotherapy on external referral.
The announcement of the new services has brought joy to cancer patients, who can now afford to get treatment. The ministry has announced that the service will now be offered at the National Cancer Centre in Lilongwe within a few weeks.
Malawi’s health stakeholders have been asking for radiology bunkers in the country, which would help patients get lifesaving treatment without having to travel overseas. The Minister of Health in the Government of Malawi takes great pride in making this significant announcement.
The development will help in upgrading the healthcare infrastructure of the country. The Minister of Health led a tour of the radiology facility that is currently under construction.
Minister Khumbize Chiponda was happy to see the pace at which the contractor is finalising the project. She thanked the contractors for their hard work and dedication to the cause.
She observed that over 120 patients are waiting to be referred to foreign hospitals for radiotherapy. Additionally, Minister Chiponda observed that the Malawian government spends over US$15,000 per patient, excluding the cost of travel and lodging.
“As a country, we register over 18,000 new cases of cancer annually.” The Minister disclosed.
She, therefore, emphasised that we need this clinic opened as soon as possible. She also encouraged the public to mind what they eat and practice physical exercise as some of the ways to prevent themselves from developing non-communicable diseases, including cancer.
She also encouraged people to have regular health checks because most health conditions are easier managed when detected early. The healthcare sector of the country is dedicated to providing access to lifesaving treatments to the people