MDC-T vice-president Thokozani Khupe’s cancer foundation is working on plans to build a state-of-the-art hospital in Bulawayo to specialise in cancer treatment.Cancer has become the number one killer disease in Zimbabwe.
JUNIOR MOYO OWN CORRESPONDENT
Khupe said the foundation would soon be approaching the Bulawayo City Council to ask for land to build the cancer hospital.
Addressing guests at a function to unveil plans by the Thokozani Khupe Cancer Foundation to establish the centre yesterday, Khupe said the institution would be accessible to everyone, including the less privileged in society because cancer is an expensive disease that requires a lot of resources for full treatment.
“For example, it requires at least $300 a day for one to go on a daily routine cycle and if we look at this, it is only done in private hospitals since all State-run institutions in the country do not have the relevant equipment, and worse still experts to treat the disease (are scarce),” the former Deputy Prime Minister said.
She said lack of facilities for cancer treatment are the key issue and that is why patients diagnosed with cancer do a biopsy usually sent to South Africa, with results coming after a month when they should be out in just two days.
“By the time patients get results, the cancer would be at an advanced stage putting people’s lives at risk,” she said.
“This could be avoided if the condition is detected early. “We are looking for money from donors so that we could be able to provide the necessary equipment for cancer treatment because cancer is a rising epidemic in Zimbabwe.”
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“She said people needed knowledge about the signs and symptoms of cancer and her foundation was going to conduct awareness campaigns in rural areas where people are now more vulnerable.
“I encourage every Zimbabwean to support the foundation by participating in the programmes conducted for the building of the hospital and awareness campaigns,” she added.