By Our Correspondent
In 1996, amid serious health challenges and limited resources, a bold idea was born in Tanzania—not out of fear, but from knowledge, compassion and courage.
Through an Act of Parliament, lawmakers recognized the urgent need to establish a specialized hospital dedicated to the treatment of cancer patients, a vision that gave birth to what is today known as the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI).
Nearly three decades later, ORCI is preparing to mark 30 years of service with a historic milestone: hosting its first International Cancer Conference, alongside the official launch of a special website dedicated to the anniversary celebrations.
The event is expected to bring together local and international experts to reflect on progress made and chart the future of cancer care in Tanzania and beyond.
Speaking on the journey of the institute, ORCI Director Dr Diwani Msema said the early years were far from easy, but the institution began its work humbly, guided by an unwavering commitment to saving lives.
He said over the years ORCI has continued to grow, learn, expand and rebuild itself to respond to the changing needs of society.
Dr Msema noted that the major achievements recorded by the institute are largely a result of strong government investment.
He said under the Sixth Phase Government, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has invested more than Sh40 billion over the past four years to improve cancer treatment infrastructure in the country.
He added that the government also put in place a dedicated ministry framework and a National Cancer Control Strategic Plan, which recently concluded after running for a decade.
The success of ORCI, he explained, demonstrated both progress and the scale of the challenge.
“Tanzania is a vast country, covering close to one million square kilometres. Patients were travelling between 1,000 and 1,300 kilometres to reach Ocean Road for treatment. It became clear that Ocean Road alone was not enough,” Dr Msema said.
As a result, the government moved to bring cancer services closer to citizens in their areas of origin.
He said that due to significant improvements at ORCI, there is now no need for patients to travel abroad, including to India, in search of cancer treatment, as comprehensive services are available locally.
Retired oncologist Dr Khamza Maunda recalled that in earlier years, cancer treatment was extremely challenging due to a shortage of equipment and skilled personnel.
Despite the difficulties, he said, the institute remained resilient and steadily built its capacity.
Between 2013 and 2018, ORCI introduced specialist training programmes to produce oncologists, a move Dr Maunda described as critical and transformative for the institution.
Radiology specialist Dr Yokebeth Vuhahula said that previously the institute lacked a radiology department, which is a cornerstone of cancer diagnosis.
Patients had to be referred from Muhimbili National Hospital for essential diagnostic services.
Today, she said, ORCI has made significant strides, including the ability to conduct pathology tests in-house.
On her part, oncology nurse specialist RN Mwanga Mhoka said the transformation at ORCI is visible and deeply felt by patients.
She noted that while the institute once struggled with a shortage of nurses, it now has a larger and more capable nursing workforce providing improved care to patients.
A cancer survivor and cancer ambassador, popularly known as “Babu wa Kitaa,” praised the hospital for the compassion, professionalism and dedication shown by its staff, especially nurses.
He said Ocean Road stands out because even patients who have recovered continue to return for support meetings and discussions on cancer-related issues.
“When I realized this, I understood what makes Ocean Road different. It has the power to change the lives of many people who may not afford treatment abroad, or who have no means at all,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Carol Swai, Head of the Health Insurance Clinic at ORCI, said government investment under President Samia’s leadership has significantly elevated the institute’s profile.
She said from the 2021/22 financial year, the hospital began receiving a growing number of patients from neighbouring countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Dr Swai, the increase in international patients is driven by improved infrastructure, friendly services and the accessibility of care, positioning ORCI as a regional centre of excellence in cancer treatment as it approaches its 30th anniversary.
