By Myra Elias:
The National Cancer Centre in Lilongwe is facing infrastructure shortages, with approximately K400 million needed to improve patient care and provide essential facilities.
National Cancer Centre Oncology Nursing Specialist Tikondwe Sichinga said the facility lacks a properly equipped high-dependency unit (HDU), a guardians’ shelter and hostels for patients who cover long distances for regular treatment but are not admitted to hospital.
“We provide radiotherapy to cancer patients, but the machines need regular servicing. If servicing is delayed, treatment is also delayed,” Sichinga said.
Meanwhile, guardians who accompany patients are forced to sleep in open spaces, often leaving their belongings exposed to the elements.
He then asked Malawians to undergo regular cancer screening, saying early detection improves chances of successful treatment and better health outcomes.
The concerns emerged during a visit by Apostle Huldah Foundation officials, who toured the facility to appreciate its operations.
The foundation’s chief executive officer, Apostle Huldah, said the foundation would assess the centre’s needs and provide future assistance where necessary.
“We are here to fulfill scripture, [which encourages us] to visit the sick, and also celebrate cancer survivors this month of October,” Huldah said.
Meanwhile, National Cancer Centre Chief Nurse Midwife Technician Lignet Mbeye, has identified prostate cancer among men and cervical cancer among women as some of the most common cancers that are treated at the facility.
Mbeye attributed some cancer-related deaths to limited public awareness, which contributes to patients seeking medical attention when the disease has already advanced.
The centre has been operational for over a year but still needs more assistance in addressing some infrastructure gaps to continue to provide services to cancer patients.