DODOMA: THE Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) will begin major cancer surgery in October, ending the need to refer patients to other hospitals for specialised operations.
The move is expected to strengthen ORCI’s capacity to provide comprehensive cancer care under one roof and position Tanzania as a regional hub for specialised oncology services.
Previously, patients requiring major surgery were referred to hospitals such as Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Bugando Medical Centre and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) before returning to ORCI for further treatment including radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
ORCI Executive Director, Dr Diwani Msemo, announced the development yesterday in Dodoma while briefing journalists on government efforts to transform cancer services.
He said the surgeries will begin after completion of new operating theatres, noting that seven specialist surgeons have already returned after completing studies abroad, while four others are still in training.
Dr Msemo said the introduction of major surgery at ORCI will reduce referrals, improve continuity of care and enable patients to receive all stages of treatment at one facility.
The development is part of broader government investment in oncology, including new facilities, advanced radiotherapy and diagnostic equipment, specialist training and digital systems aimed at increasing capacity and reducing waiting time.
Among key investments is a PET Scan installed at ORCI, enabling early detection and assessment of cancer spread. Dr Msemo said Tanzania is the first country in East and Central Africa to acquire the technology.
A PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography scan) is a medical imaging test that shows how your body’s tissues and organs are functioning, rather than just what they look like.
“I urge citizens to develop a culture of regular health check-ups, as cancer is treatable like other diseases,” he said.
The institute has also installed a Linear Accelerator worth 7.3bn/-, currently providing conventional and specialised radiotherapy services.
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A linear accelerator (LINAC) is a machine used in radiation therapy to treat cancer. It produces very high-energy radiation and aims it precisely at a tumor to destroy cancer cells.
In addition, two Cobalt machines valued at 1.4bn/- have been procured and will further boost radiotherapy capacity once operational.
“These investments are expected to cut radiotherapy waiting time to about two weeks,” he said.
Meanwhile, construction of the 11bn/- Mbeya Cancer Centre has reached 57 per cent and is scheduled for completion in January next year, with services expected to start in July 2027.
The centre will serve the Southern Highlands and neighbouring countries, including Zambia, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
ORCI is also building a 5.9bn/- Multipurpose Oncology facility in Dar es Salaam, now 65 per cent complete and due for completion in December.
The facility will include special wards, chemotherapy units, clinics, laboratories, pharmacy services, an international lounge and offices for specialists.
Dr Msemo said the institute has installed an ELEKTA Harmony radiotherapy machine capable of targeting tumours with high precision while protecting healthy tissues.
The Elekta Harmony is a machine used to deliver highly precise radiation treatment to cancerous tumors.
Two mammography machines worth 1.1bn/- are being installed, while a SPECT machine valued at 1.5bn/- has been acquired to strengthen diagnostic services.
Plans are also underway to establish cancer centres in Mtwara, Kigoma and Arusha to bring services closer to wananchi.
Dr Msemo said the mobile ‘Tiba Mkoba’ early detection campaign has reached 15 regions, screening more than 200,000 people.
He noted that the investments will boost early detection, reduce referrals within and outside the country, shorten waiting time and attract patients from neighbouring countries.
