Tanzania has strengthened its fight against cancer after the government invested TZS 5.5 billion in the construction and equipping of a radiotherapy unit at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), aiming to bring advanced cancer treatment closer to citizens in the Northern Zone and neighbouring countries.
The investment marks a major milestone in improving specialised health services and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to Dar es Salaam for treatment at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute.
The official launch of the radiotherapy facility took place on June 24, 2026, and is part of the Sixth Phase Government’s ongoing efforts to expand access to quality and specialised healthcare services across the country.
Speaking before the arrival of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Minister of Health, Mohamed Omary Mchengerwa, said the project reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens access cancer treatment closer to where they live.
He said the TZS 5.5 billion investment covers construction works and part of the medical equipment needed for radiotherapy services.
“This facility is not just infrastructure. It is about saving lives, reducing suffering, and lowering the cost burden on citizens,” said Mchengerwa.
He added that under President Samia’s leadership, the government has prioritised expanding specialised healthcare services, especially cancer diagnosis and treatment, at regional referral hospitals.
Radiotherapy services at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) officially began in February this year, with the current capacity to serve about 1,100 patients per year.
Once all phases are completed, the facility is expected to treat up to 3,900 patients annually, significantly easing pressure on the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, which has been the main national referral centre for cancer care.
Health officials say the expansion will reduce congestion, shorten waiting time, and improve chances of early treatment for patients across the country.
Minister Mchengerwa stressed that timely access to radiotherapy is critical in saving lives.
“For a cancer patient, distance can mean delay, and delay can mean loss of life. Bringing services closer to citizens changes that reality,” he said.
He added that the government will continue investing in modern medical equipment, infrastructure, and training of health professionals to strengthen cancer care and other non-communicable disease services.
The minister also highlighted the importance of partnerships in the health sector, praising faith-based institutions for their role in service delivery.
He cited KCMC and Bugando hospitals as strong examples of successful collaboration between the government and religious organisations in improving access to healthcare.
“KCMC and Bugando show that when we work together, citizens benefit directly through better and closer services,” he said.
Mchengerwa further acknowledged support from development partners, including the Foundation for Cancer Care in Tanzania and USAID, for their contribution to the project.
He said such cooperation remains essential in strengthening Tanzania’s health system and expanding life-saving services.
In his remarks, the minister commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising health sector investments, including modern hospitals, medical equipment, and training of specialists.
He said the KCMC radiotherapy unit reflects the government’s vision of ensuring that quality healthcare services reach citizens in all regions.
The facility is expected to reduce deaths caused by delayed cancer treatment and provide new hope to thousands of patients across the country.
At the same time, President Samia expressed concern over the rising cases of cancer and heart diseases among younger people compared to previous years.
She directed health research institutions to conduct studies to understand the causes and strengthen public awareness campaigns so citizens can take preventive measures early.
The government says the new KCMC radiotherapy unit is a key step toward building a stronger, more accessible, and citizen-centred health system in Tanzania.
