Minister tasks ORCI to end treatment abroad

DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Health, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, has tasked the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) to leverage the intensive addition of modern equipment at the hospital in efforts to ensure that within the next three years no Tanzanian seeks cancer treatment abroad.

The move aims at ending decades of some Tanzanians flying abroad for cancer treatment as the Sixth Phase Government in the last four years has invested about 40bn/- in the hospital, resulting in the installation of new equipment, including an Elekta Linear Accelerator and Bhabhatron II-Cobalt Radiotherapy Machine.

Mr Mchengerwa issued the directive on Monday while inaugurating the new Board of Trustees of ORCI, expressing confidence in the institute’s highly trained medical personnel, including professors in radiotherapy, supported by world-class equipment.

“Given the great brains we have in this institution, we can prevent local cancer patients from travelling abroad for treatment,” Mr Mchengerwa told board members, demanding that they come up with a comprehensive plan to transform ORCI.

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He noted that, for years, ORCI has had highly skilled oncologists comparable to those in developed countries like India, but their efforts were hindered by a shortage of equipment.

In that regard, Mr Mchengerwa said the installation of new equipment offers an opportunity for medical experts in cancer treatment to unlock their full potential.

Furthermore, he directed the Board of Trustees, in collaboration with management, to finalise ISO certification as a means of aligning ORCI medical services with international standards.

He said ISO certification will also enable Tanzania to attract patients from other African countries and beyond, aiming to elevate the country’s position as a continental medical tourism hub.

Mr Mchengerwa said he was optimistic about the new Board of Trustees, as it is composed of members with rich experience in the health sector, leadership, law, research, insurance and science at large.

Professor Ephata Kaaya, a veteran scientist, has been reappointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to chair the board.

In a related development, Mr Mchengerwa urged the institute to conduct various scientific research projects on cancer, insisting that the chief goal remains to elevate Tanzania as a leader in publishing cancer findings on the continent.

He expressed concern that the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be filled by data from foreign researchers if there are insufficient publications from local scientists, warning of the possibility of being misled.

“Our institute should have authority in Africa when we speak about cancer,” Mr Mchengerwa said, adding: “Without enough scientific publications on cancer under AI, our reality will be defined by others.”

ORCI Board of Trustees Chairperson Prof Ephata Kaaya said the board, in collaboration with management, will implement all directives issued by the minister in efforts to upgrade cancer medical care in the country and champion cutting-edge cancer research in Africa.

He noted that the institute is also constructing an Ultra-Modern Oncology Centre at Mloganzila and a multi-purpose oncology building, among other facilities, to boost specialised cancer healthcare.

Earlier, ORCI Executive Director Dr Diwani Msemo thanked the government under President Samia for adding modern equipment at the hospital, including MRI and CT scans, which have revolutionised service delivery to new heights.