Cancer patients in Tanzania are set to spend less time travelling for treatment as the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) implements more than TZS 50 billion worth of investments in cancer infrastructure, medical equipment and advanced treatment technologies.
The investment is aimed at expanding specialised cancer services across the country, reducing pressure on facilities in Dar es Salaam and making treatment more accessible to patients outside the commercial capital.
Speaking to journalists in Dodoma, ORCI Executive Director Dr Diwani Msemo said one of the key projects is the construction of the Mbeya Cancer Centre, which is being built at a cost of TZS 11 billion.
The centre is currently 57 per cent complete and is expected to be completed in January 2027 before starting operations in July 2027.
Dr Msemo said the facility will serve patients from Mbeya and other parts of the Southern Highlands, while also providing an important referral option for patients from neighbouring Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The project is expected to reduce the need for patients in the region to travel to Dar es Salaam for specialised cancer treatment.
In Dar es Salaam, ORCI is constructing a Multipurpose Oncology Building at an estimated cost of TZS 5.9 billion. The project is 65 per cent complete and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The facility will include patient wards, chemotherapy treatment areas, cancer clinics, laboratories, a pharmacy, an International Lounge and offices for medical specialists, increasing the institute's capacity to provide cancer services.
ORCI has also expanded its radiotherapy capacity through the completion of a Linear Accelerator project valued at about TZS 7.9 billion.
Of this amount, TZS 800 million was used for construction and renovation of a specialised treatment room, while TZS 7.3 billion covered the purchase and installation of the machine.
The Linear Accelerator is already providing services and can deliver conventional, specialised and highly specialised radiotherapy.
Its additional capacity is expected to reduce the average waiting period for patients to begin treatment to about two weeks.
The institute has also purchased two Cobalt machines at a cost of approximately TZS 4 billion. Installation is 95 per cent complete, with the machines expected to begin operations by September 2026.
Another major investment is a PET Scan machine valued at TZS 18.2 billion.
The technology enables specialists to examine the functioning of body organs, detect cancer, determine whether the disease has spread and monitor a patient's response to treatment. It can also assist in diagnosing some brain and heart conditions.
ORCI has further installed an ELEKTA Harmony radiotherapy machine at a cost of TZS 8.3 billion.
Dr Msemo said the machine uses advanced Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) technology, allowing specialists to target tumours more precisely while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues and organs.
Alongside investments in treatment facilities, ORCI is expanding cancer prevention and early detection through its Tiba Mkoba outreach campaign.
The campaign has reached 15 regions and various workplaces, providing more than 200,000 people with initial cancer screening services.
Dr Msemo said the institute was also strengthening its specialist workforce.
Seven specialist surgeons have returned after completing advanced training in areas including urology, gynaecology and general surgery, while four other specialists are continuing with further training.
ORCI has also supported professional development for its workforce, with 66 employees attending specialised courses.
The institute expects to begin major cancer surgery services in October 2026 following completion of new operating theatres.
The introduction of the services will allow ORCI to provide a wider range of specialised cancer treatment under one roof, potentially reducing the need for patients to seek services elsewhere.
Looking ahead, Dr Msemo said preparations were underway to establish additional cancer centres in Mtwara, Kigoma and Arusha.
He said the planned centres were intended to bring specialised cancer services closer to communities and reduce the financial and logistical burden associated with travelling to Dar es Salaam for treatment.
The projects could be financed through different mechanisms, including government funding and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Dr Msemo said ORCI's growing capacity was also attracting patients from neighbouring countries and international researchers, while contributing to Tanzania's National Development Vision 2050 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
He urged Tanzanians to make regular health screening part of their routine, emphasising that early detection can improve treatment outcomes.
“Cancer is treatable like other diseases,” Dr Msemo said.
He also called on the media to work closely with ORCI to provide accurate information about cancer and address misconceptions that can discourage people from seeking timely screening and treatment.
The expansion of cancer services is expected to bring specialised care closer to communities, while reducing the distance, cost and time many patients face when seeking treatment in Dar es Salaam.
