Malawi has commission the National Cancer Treatment Center to cater to patients in the country.
“Because we do not have a treatment centre of our own, people wait for months and even years after diagnosis to get treatment abroad. Some of our dearest ones have passed on while on the waiting list. But we are now set to reverse this situation. We are here to change that story once and for all.” Said President Peter Mutharika, during the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of National Cancer Centre project in Lilongwe today
There are over 14,000 diagnosed cancer patients in Malawi according to a statement released by the Malawi government.
The Cancer Treatment Center will cut down the cost of sending patients abroad by at least 50% according to the President.
“I am giving you one and half years to finish this Cancer Center. No buts, no ifs – deliver on time! And I will be coming to supervise the construction myself.” Said the President
The government is working towards building the health care system in the country to even attract medical tourists. With a hospital recently finished and many other projects in the pipeline.
According to the Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume, money amounting to US$13.5 million has been set aside for the centre.
Statistics show that 1,600 women and girls in the country die of cervical cancer with 2,300 new cases yearly whilst breast cancer remains unknown to many women due to lack of awareness according to Malawi 24.
