Sugar tax funds new radiotherapy equipment as Zimbabwe expands cancer treatment

Sugar tax funds new radiotherapy equipment as Zimbabwe expands cancer treatment

For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups

Zimbabwe’s tax on sugary beverages is now funding visible upgrades in cancer services, with a second batch of advanced radiotherapy equipment arriving in Harare as Government pushes to expand diagnosis and treatment capacity.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora and Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube on Monday inspected the consignment at the NatPharm warehouse, according to information released by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).

The delivery includes high-energy linear accelerators (LINACs), which are designed to deliver precise radiotherapy to cancers located deep within the body, helping improve accuracy while reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Dr Mombeshora said the country is moving away from ageing systems towards modern cancer treatment technology, with the upgrade expected to improve patient outcomes and increase the number of patients who can be treated.

“We have effectively leapfrogged from a situation where only one machine was operational at Parirenyatwa. We have completed phase one and are now moving into phase two, which focuses on procuring diagnostic equipment to support early cancer detection,” Dr Mombeshora said.

He said Government’s third phase will focus on establishing more cancer treatment centres outside the metropolitan provinces, naming target provinces and institutions that include Mashonaland West through Chinhoyi Hospital, as well as hospitals in Midlands and Masvingo.

To Advertise Inbox Us

Prof Ncube said the developments demonstrate the impact of domestic resource mobilisation, linking the equipment purchases to revenue from the sugar content tax.

“A couple of years ago, we proposed that a sugar content tax on beverages be introduced. It is introduced, and we are delighted to see the results of that tax. Out of the 30 million that we have used so far, we have managed to procure the first set of machines under this programme. It means that what we set out to do is being achieved, and I want to thank the citizens for agreeing to pay this tax,” Prof Ncube said.

He added that Government is moving to plug funding gaps as overseas development assistance to health systems declines globally, describing investment in healthcare as central to the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030.

While the latest inspection was in Harare, the planned roll-out to additional provinces will be closely watched by communities in Mashonaland Central and surrounding regions, where patients often face long journeys and waiting times to access specialised cancer diagnosis and treatment services.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel for all the News from Mashonaland Central – Bindura, Mbire, Guruve, Mount Darwin, Rushinga, Shamva, Mazowe & Muzarabani