LAWMAKERS have raised concern over inadequate cancer treatment equipment in the country, saying district hospitals should have cancer treatment machines as well.
Budiriro North MP Susan Matsunga (CCC) said Parirenyatwa and Mpilo hospitals were the only medical institutions that had equipment for the treatment of cancer.
“The government should have a treatment clinic or one that tests for cancer in every district. This is so that people pass through their district hospitals before going to the referral centres,” she was quoted in the Hansard as saying.
Uzumba MP Wiriranai Muchemwa (Zanu PF) concurred that every district hospital should have a cancer treatment machine so that local people can quickly access the services within their areas.
“For example, a lady coming to Harare for treatment, for someone living on US$20 per month, she will not be able to foot the bill for medication, hence the government needs to look into that and make cancer treatment free of charge,” she said,
Muchemwa said screening of cancer should be compulsory just like HIV and Aids.
