Cancer patients in dilemma. . . Mpilo radiology unit still closed

19 Jun, 2016 - 00:06 0 Views

The Sunday News

Robin Muchetu @NyembeziMu
THE Radiology Department at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo is still closed for cancer treatment as it has been undergoing further renovations for it to meet International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, a situation that has resulted in all cancer patients from the southern parts of the country being referred to Harare for treatment, it has been learnt.

The IAEA exists to pursue safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear sciences and technology. In an interview, the Mpilo clinical director, Mr Solwayo Ngwenya said there was still a lot of work to be done before the department is open to the public.

The department has been closed since the early 2000.

“Yes, the department is still closed, it takes an enormous amount of time to renovate it so that it meets the required International Atomic Energy Agency standards. It is not as simple as installing equipment and opening it, but a lot of work goes into such a project,” he said.

Mr Ngwenya said the department is being renovated by special technicians and engineers from South Africa who were well trained in installing the equipment to required standards. He said the technicians have to ensure that there is no radiation that is lost when radiation therapy sessions are being done.

Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer. It uses high-energy particles or waves, such as X-rays, gamma rays, electron beams, or protons to destroy or damage cancer cells.

“No radiation should escape when cancer treatment is taking place so we have to ensure that the rooms are well fitted and secured so that the public is safe,” said Mr Ngwenya.

Human exposure to radiation in varying quantities can cause harm. Certain body parts are more specifically affected by exposure to different types of radiation sources. Early symptoms of radiation sickness are similar to those of flu and may go unnoticed unless a blood count is done. Mr Ngwenya said the hospital has been forced to send all its cancer patients that need radiation therapy to Harare.

“We are referring all patients to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare as that is the only other centre that offers radiation therapy besides Mpilo. But when our department is sorted there will not be any need to refer patients to Harare,” he said.

Some patients have abandoned radiation treatment as they cannot afford to travel and spend weeks in Harare. Mpilo received an X-ray machine, CT scan and Ultra sound machine early this year from the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa.

Mr Ngwenya could not be drawn into saying when the renovations for the department will be completed but said it would take a “long time”. He said funds were also a challenge that is affecting the completion of the project.

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