Parirenyatwa Hospital strained as cancer cases rise

The oncology and radiotherapy department at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals — the country's largest referral centre — is battling mounting pressure as the demand for cancer treatment continues to far exceed available resources.

The unit attends to hundreds of patients every month, with an average of 140 new cases recorded. Yet shortages of specialised professionals, limited bed space, high treatment costs, and erratic supplies of essential cancer drugs and consumables have become persistent challenges.

"Our main challenges include high patient load versus limited bed capacity and staff; the high cost and inconsistent supply of essential drugs and consumables; the maintenance and upgrading of sophisticated diagnostic and treatment equipment; the need for more specialized healthcare professionals; and the financial and emotional strain on patients and their families," said Dr Nothando Christagirl Mutizira, head of the Oncology Radiotherapy Department, in an interview with New Ziana.

She said the cost of cancer treatment remains a major barrier for many patients. Although some services are subsidised, many still pay out of pocket for diagnostic tests, medicines, and treatment sessions because medical aid societies often do not cover the full cost.

"Our pharmacy strives to maintain a consistent supply of essential cancer drugs on the national formulary. However, we face challenges with the supply chain, cost fluctuations, and foreign currency shortages, which can occasionally lead to stockouts of certain specialised or second-line drugs," she said.

The department currently operates with only eight clinical oncologists, three paediatric oncologists, and a small but committed team of surgeons, pathologists, radiologists and oncology nurses who jointly shoulder the heavy workload.

Although essential equipment such as linear accelerators used in radiotherapy and CT scanners for imaging is available, these machines remain costly to procure, maintain and operate. "The equipment is extremely expensive, often requiring foreign currency. The need for specialised technicians also poses operational challenges. Affordability for the institution is a major hurdle," Dr Mutizira noted.

Despite limitations, Parirenyatwa continues to offer chemotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, surgery and targeted therapies where possible. However, treatment outcomes vary greatly depending on the stage at which the disease is detected.

For early-stage cancers such as cervical and breast cancer, treatment can be highly effective with strong long-term survival prospects. In contrast, late-stage cases are frequently managed palliatively, focusing on improving quality of life rather than curing the disease.

Dr Mutizira highlighted the major barriers contributing to late diagnosis, including low public awareness, long distances to diagnostic centres, high screening costs, and a shortage of specialised cancer facilities and personnel — particularly in rural communities.

"This often leads to patients presenting with advanced-stage disease, which is harder to treat. This leads to a high number of end-stage treatments," she said.

She urged the public to adopt preventive measures such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and participating in regular screening programmes. She stressed that cancer is not a death sentence, especially when detected early.

Looking ahead, Dr Mutizira said the health system could significantly improve cancer care through increased government funding, decentralising oncology services to provincial hospitals, strengthening the drug supply chain, investing in specialist training and retention, and expanding national health insurance to provide more comprehensive coverage for cancer treatment.