The Ministry of Health and Social Services says it will require N$181 million for infrastructure to establish a radiotherapy department at Oshakati.
The N$181 million is in addition to the N$60 million the Ministry indicated it required to construct a specialised bunker to house the necessary nuclear technology equipment.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, said the Ministry is looking into expanding access to specialised cancer care beyond the existing Windhoek Central Hospital facility by establishing a second fully fledged oncology department at the Oshakati District Hospital alongside a new radiotherapy unit.
“There is an established Nuclear Medicine department at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati already. The Ministry in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other stakeholders is working on the establishment of radiotherapy services at the same hospital,” Dr Shangula said.
Dr Shangula further said the Ministry was considering allowing chemotherapy treatments to be administered at district hospitals which would require the hospitals to train their staff properly in chemotherapy.
According to the Minister, this approach could significantly reduce referral costs, improve staff development, and allow patients to return home for shorter recovery periods.
“It is not financially prudent to establish oncology centres, especially radiation therapy, at every district hospital as the cost can be quite prohibitive. This relates not only to infrastructure and equipment but also takes into account the staffing requirements, among other factors. The current population size may also not warrant the establishment of such centres at district levels,” he said.
He further explained that the Ministry spent N$24 million in the 2023-2024 financial year on the private treatment of cancer patients who could not be treated at the state hospital, while repairs were ongoing on the now complete Cobalt machine which was damaged by a lightning strike.
Additionally, a new radioactive source for the Cobalt machine is being procured and is expected to arrive by the end of May 2024 with installation and commissioning planned for June.
Namibia has two government-run oncology centers namely the AB May Oncology Centre at Windhoek Central Hospital and the Oncology Services at Intermediate Hospital Oshakati.
In addition, there are two private Namibia Oncology Centres, one each in Eros and Khomasdal. Additionally, scattered throughout the country, there are private oncology facilities offering cancer treatment services.
