Following a rise in the number of cancer patients across Tanzania, the government has deemed it fit to erect a cancer treatment centre in one of its administrative regions, Mbeya. This is aimed at reducing the number of patients who travel miles to get treatment at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam.

The Deputy Minister of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dr Faustine Ndugulile reveals that cancer is quite expensive to individually treat and there has been an increasing number of people diagnosed with the ailment in the country over the years. He also adds that with proper awareness programs the public will be able to take preventive measures.

“Take an example of kidney disease. It costs Sh700, 000 for the patient to undergo weekly dialysis. Kidney transplant costs about Sh20 million. Starting awareness programs on NCDs will help people take preventive measures,” he said.

Read more at: All Africa

Elsewhere on Ventures

Triangle arrow