Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has disclosed that the Malawi National Cancer Centre currently under construction at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, will be completed and operational by end of March 2024.

Chiponda made the announcement on Sunday in Lilongwe when she toured the project site to appreciate ongoing construction works at the facility, as part of commemorating World Cancer Day.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project saying once completed, it will not only save lives of cancer patients, but also help the country save billions of Kwachas spent through referrals of patients to foreign countries for treatment.

“This facility is very crucial; Government spends US$15,000 for every cancer patient to access treatment outside the country. The amount excludes air tickets and accommodation for the client and guardian,” said Chaponda.

According to Chaponda, currently, there are 200 cancer patients who are on the waiting list to access treatment abroad, thus the completion of the cancer facility will be a relief to patients and the country as a whole.

The facility, which is being constructed with funding from the OPEC Fund for International Development and Malawi Government, will have six bunkers for cancer treatment, including radiation therapy.

The project is being constructed by Plem Construction Company, whose lead engineer on the site, Ajai Mahon disclosed that everything regarding the construction works was in order and that they’re currently waiting for more construction equipment from Turkey.

Malawi registers over 18,000 cases of cancer annually and presently, the country provides oncology, including chemotherapy and palliative care services for cancer clients.

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