Hertta-Maria Amutenja
With only one state-owned Oncology Centre in Namibia, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is embarking on a major expansion project at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital Radiotherapy Department.
This endeavour is set to cost the government almost N$200 million, marking a considerable investment in the country’s healthcare system.
The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula announced this project during a recent session of the National Assembly, where he revealed that the ministry is working in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency and other stakeholders to expand the oncology department at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital.
“Equipment has been secured through development cooperation partners. Total estimated costs for the establishment of the Radiotherapy Department is N$181 million for infrastructure,” he said.
Shangula was answering questions by Popular Democratic Movement Reggie Diergaardt, who last month asked Shangula about the status of oncology centres in the country.
Namibia currently has only one state-owned Oncology Center, the AB May Oncology Center at Windhoek Central Hospital. Additionally, Oshakati Intermediate Hospital hosts an Oncology Department that offers a limited range of oncology care services.
In the private sector, there are three oncology centres under the Namibia Oncology Center, located in Windhoek and Swakopmund, which cater to various types of cancer treatment.
Shangula emphasised that all types of cancers can be treated at the mentioned centres.
The minister said the AB May Oncology Center, in particular, provides a range of services, including Medical and Hematological Oncology, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Oncology.
Responding to questions regarding the establishment of Oncology Centers or Departments at every district hospital, Shangula highlighted the financial challenges associated with such an extensive endeavour. He explained that it would not be financially prudent to establish radiation therapy centres at all 34 district hospitals.
“It is said that if wishes were horses, beggars would ride! It is not financially prudent to have these centers, especially radiation therapy centers at each of the 34 district hospitals as the cost associated with this can be quite prohibitive. This relates not only to infrastructure and equipment but also staffing requirements amongst other factors,” he said.
Additionally, he said the current population size might not justify the establishment of such centres at the district level.
However, he stated that the ministry is open to considering the provision of chemotherapy services at district hospitals, provided that the necessary expertise is available.
Shangula shared that state patients are being referred to private oncology centres, and approximately 20-25 patients receive referrals each month, incurring costs ranging from N$1.5 to N$2 million per month.
Additionally, Shangula revealed that the Cobalt-60 machine used for radiotherapy at Windhoek Central Hospital is awaiting the replacement of its radioactive source.
Stating that the necessary component has been ordered from Canada, and the installation and commissioning of the machine are expected to be completed by December 2023 or at the latest, January 2024.
“Currently, the machine can only cater to patients requiring palliative care and a limited number of patients requiring radical treatment. Other patients are referred to the private sector to ensure that the continuation of cancer care is not interrupted,” he said.
