Zimbabwe’s battle against cancer has taken a grim turn as Treasury delays the release of funds meant for life-saving machines.
For more than three years, the country’s two largest referral hospitals, Parirenyatwa in Harare and Mpilo in Bulawayo, have been operating without critical cancer treatment equipment, reports New Zimbabwe.
This has left thousands of patients stranded.
Funds stuck in Treasury
Zimbabwe’s Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora told Parliament this week that his ministry had already completed all procurement processes and signed contracts with suppliers.
What remains is for Treasury to release the 30% deposit needed to activate the deal.
“As the Health Ministry, we awarded tenders to two companies for Parirenyatwa and Mpilo hospitals. All in all, we spent US$27.5 million. We submitted to Treasury papers for them to pay the 30% deposit as per the agreement and in accordance with the suppliers’ instructions. Contracts have since been signed,” Mombeshora said.
He added that suppliers had committed to installing the equipment within 36 weeks. This meant that the machines could be running before the end of the year.
Rising cancer deaths, limited options
The urgency is clear. According to the National Cancer Registry, Zimbabwe has recorded over 3 000 cancer deaths every year since 2014, with colorectal cancer showing the fastest increase. Yet, most public hospitals lack even basic diagnostic facilities such as colonoscopy services.
“Cancer cases are on the increase and one such cancer is colorectal cancer, which mainly affects people above the age of 45. What is government policy on early detection and prevention?” asked Zaka South MP Clemence Chiduwa.
Mombeshora admitted the system is under immense pressure. “Colon cancer is one of the top four cancers in the country,” he said, noting shortages of specialists and equipment even at district hospitals.
The promise to fund cancer treatment
Government introduced the so-called ‘Sugar Tax’ in 2024, promising that proceeds would fund cancer treatment and diagnostic equipment. Phase 1 targeted treatment machines, while Phase 2 aimed at rolling out CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound equipment across hospitals.
But MPs say there has been little to show for it. ‘The Sugar Tax’ has been collected since January last year, yet no machines have been delivered.
“This suggests a lack of urgency in tackling the crisis,” said Chiredzi Central MP Blessing Ropafadzo Makumire.
Mombeshora said that by December 2024, about US$30.3 million had been raised. He added that procurement would begin with Parirenyatwa and Mpilo, where patients have gone without treatment for three years.
A deadly waiting game
The delays have turned cancer into a silent killer.
Without access to timely diagnosis and treatment, patients are forced to seek costly private care or cross borders, options out of reach for most Zimbabweans.
For now, the fate of thousands rests on whether Treasury moves with urgency.
