Parirenyatwa Oncology Department Struggles Under Immense Patient Load as Experts Call for Urgent Funding<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zim GBC News | Harare Correspondent<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HARARE \u2013 The Oncology and Radiotherapy Department at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Zimbabwe\u2019s foremost referral centre, is operating under severe strain, with a dire shortage of resources threatening cancer care for hundreds of patients monthly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The department registers approximately 140 new cancer cases each month but is hamstrung by a critical lack of beds, specialized staff, and consistent drug supplies, coupled with the exorbitant cost of maintaining essential equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In an exclusive interview Dr. Nothando Christagirl Mutizira, Head of the Oncology Radiotherapy Department, outlined the scale of the crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are facing a perfect storm of challenges,\u201d Dr. Mutizira stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur patient numbers are overwhelming, but we have limited beds and a severe shortage of specialized staff. The financial burden on patients is immense, and the emotional toll on families is devastating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She highlighted that the cost of treatment remains a primary barrier, as many diagnostic tests, drugs, and therapy sessions are not fully covered by medical aid societies, forcing patients to pay out-of-pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The department\u2019s pharmacy also battles persistent supply chain issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe strive to keep essential medicines available, but foreign currency shortages and cost fluctuations regularly disrupt our supply, leading to stockouts of critical second-line drugs,\u201d Dr. Mutizira explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, the vast oncology service is managed by just eight clinical oncologists, three paediatric oncologists, and a small, dedicated support team. While key equipment like linear accelerators for radiotherapy is operational, maintaining this technology is a constant struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis equipment is astronomically expensive to procure and maintain, often requiring foreign currency and highly specialized technicians,\u201d Dr. Mutizira said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAffordability for the institution is a major hurdle that directly impacts service sustainability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The effectiveness of treatment, she stressed, hinges entirely on early detection. For early-stage cancers, outcomes can be positive, but late presentations\u2014often due to awareness, cost, and distance barriers\u2014result in predominantly palliative care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen patients present with advanced-stage disease, which is increasingly common, our focus shifts to managing symptoms and improving quality of life, as a cure becomes less likely,\u201d Dr. Mutizira noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking forward, she called for systemic intervention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe need increased government funding, decentralization of cancer services to provinces, a stronger drug supply chain, and investment in training and retaining specialists. Expanding national health insurance to cover comprehensive cancer treatment is non-negotiable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the constraints, the department continues to provide chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, holding onto the message that cancer is not an automatic death sentence, especially when detected early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Zim GBC News | Global News From An African Perspective\u00a92025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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