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| Minister says the government has set aside Sh 10 billion for the purchase of cancer drugs. Photo: Courtesy |
By Charles Mkoka
Dar es Salaam – Minister of Health Jenista Mhagama has officially launched the Shifaa Cancer Treatment and Research Center, pledging that the government will continue to increase its budget allocation for cancer medications annually due to the rising number of cancer patients in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration event held on 11th October 2024, in Dar es Salaam, at the Shifaa Hospital on Msese Road, Kinondoni, Minister Mhagama emphasized the government's commitment to supporting cancer patients, many of whom are unable to afford treatment.
“This year alone, the government has set aside Sh 10 billion for the purchase of cancer drugs, and with each new budget, this amount will continue to increase,” Mhagama stated. She added that the opening of the center would significantly enhance access to critical diagnostic and medical services for cancer-related conditions in Tanzania.
Minister Mhagama noted that cancer cases in the country have been steadily rising, with 45,000 new cancer patients recorded in 2022. She emphasized that timely treatment is vital to saving lives, as untreated cancer often leads to fatalities.
The most common cancers in Tanzania, according to the minister, are cervical cancer, which accounts for 24.2% of cases, prostate cancer (10.7%), breast cancer (10%), throat cancer (7.9%), and colorectal cancer (4.9%).
“These cancers make up 42% of all cases in the country, with cervical and breast cancer being the most prevalent among women,” she explained. She further stressed the importance of government efforts to prevent cancer and provide timely treatment, while acknowledging Shifaa Hospital’s contribution to the cause.
“That's why the government has taken significant steps to protect its citizens from cancer. When someone is diagnosed, they should be able to receive treatment, and today we thank Shifaa for supporting the government’s efforts by helping restore health and joy to cancer patients,” Mhagama added.
The government has also continued to raise awareness and conduct special campaigns for early cancer detection and diagnosis, expanding these services across various regions. According to Minister Mhagama, the goal is to ensure that there are numerous centers offering cancer services, especially for women while improving diagnostic services through laboratories and radiology. She revealed that the country now has 85 CT scan and MRI machines available for use.
Shifaa Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Haroon, commended the government for its substantial investment in the health sector. He noted that the hospital itself represents a USD 60 million investment aimed at providing quality, up-to-date medical care to Tanzanians.
“The construction of this hospital is part of our support for the government's efforts in the health sector, and we are pleased to see the tremendous improvements taking place in healthcare. I also applaud private health institutions for their invaluable contributions,” Haroon said.
He further stressed that cancer has become a major global issue, including in Tanzania, which is why he saw the necessity of establishing a cancer treatment center to reduce the financial burden on Tanzanian patients who would otherwise seek treatment abroad, particularly in India.
