Govt expands cancer care, targets free treatment

GOVERNMENT has pledged to strengthen cancer care services and expand access to treatment for vulnerable groups, including rural communities, war veterans and low-income families, as it moves to decentralise specialised healthcare across the country.

The commitment came after senators raised concern over the high cost of cancer treatment and limited access for patients in remote areas who struggle to pay for medical care.

While acknowledging the installation of cancer screening and treatment equipment at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare and Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, legislators said the concentration of services in two cities continued to disadvantage patients in rural and provincial areas.

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