News / National
Zimbabwe to fast-track procurement of new cancer machines
07 Dec 2024 at 13:18hrs | Views
The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) has approved a fast-tracked process to procure new cancer treatment machines, raising hopes that they will be in place by year-end.
The acquisition of the machines will be funded by the sugar tax, introduced in the 2024 National Budget. To date, the Government has raised over US$18 million through the tax.
Speaking at this week's post-Cabinet briefing, Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora confirmed that preparations for the procurement are well underway.
"Now that we know we are going to get money from the sugar tax, we have sought advice from radio-oncologists on the priority equipment needed," said Dr. Mombeshora.
"We are at an advanced stage. PRAZ has approved our request for a short bidding process of five days to expedite the procurement. We aim to complete the process before December 31."
Zimbabwe currently has two cancer treatment centres, located at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare and Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo. While these centres are operational, service delivery has been hindered by frequent machine breakdowns.
The Government has repaired existing equipment at both facilities, but Dr. Mombeshora revealed plans to add more machines to the two hospitals and establish new cancer treatment centres in Chinhoyi, Gweru, Masvingo, and Mutare.
"The new centres will be fully operational with all the required equipment," he said.
At Mpilo, while most equipment is now functional, the CT scanner remains out of service, requiring additional funds for spare parts.
Beyond cancer treatment, significant progress is being made in other healthcare projects. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere provided updates on key initiatives: National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory: Construction at Mpilo Hospital is 85% complete. Chitungwiza Central Hospital Water Tank: Work is 55% complete. X-ray Machines: Installed at Chikurubi Maximum Prison Hospital and Inkomo Barracks Hospital. Oxygen Plant Rooms: Facilities at Lupane Hospital and Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital are expected to be completed this month. Waiting Mothers' Shelters: Renovation of 10 shelters and theatres at rural hospitals, including Mt. Darwin and Manama, is underway.
These initiatives reflect the Government's commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery across Zimbabwe, ensuring accessible and quality services for all citizens.
The expedited procurement of cancer machines, alongside other ongoing projects, is a significant step towards modernizing Zimbabwe's healthcare infrastructure and improving patient outcomes.
The acquisition of the machines will be funded by the sugar tax, introduced in the 2024 National Budget. To date, the Government has raised over US$18 million through the tax.
Speaking at this week's post-Cabinet briefing, Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora confirmed that preparations for the procurement are well underway.
"Now that we know we are going to get money from the sugar tax, we have sought advice from radio-oncologists on the priority equipment needed," said Dr. Mombeshora.
"We are at an advanced stage. PRAZ has approved our request for a short bidding process of five days to expedite the procurement. We aim to complete the process before December 31."
Zimbabwe currently has two cancer treatment centres, located at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare and Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo. While these centres are operational, service delivery has been hindered by frequent machine breakdowns.
The Government has repaired existing equipment at both facilities, but Dr. Mombeshora revealed plans to add more machines to the two hospitals and establish new cancer treatment centres in Chinhoyi, Gweru, Masvingo, and Mutare.
"The new centres will be fully operational with all the required equipment," he said.
At Mpilo, while most equipment is now functional, the CT scanner remains out of service, requiring additional funds for spare parts.
Beyond cancer treatment, significant progress is being made in other healthcare projects. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere provided updates on key initiatives: National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory: Construction at Mpilo Hospital is 85% complete. Chitungwiza Central Hospital Water Tank: Work is 55% complete. X-ray Machines: Installed at Chikurubi Maximum Prison Hospital and Inkomo Barracks Hospital. Oxygen Plant Rooms: Facilities at Lupane Hospital and Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital are expected to be completed this month. Waiting Mothers' Shelters: Renovation of 10 shelters and theatres at rural hospitals, including Mt. Darwin and Manama, is underway.
These initiatives reflect the Government's commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery across Zimbabwe, ensuring accessible and quality services for all citizens.
The expedited procurement of cancer machines, alongside other ongoing projects, is a significant step towards modernizing Zimbabwe's healthcare infrastructure and improving patient outcomes.
Source - The Herald
