Joseph Isangura
Tanzania is taking bold steps to ensure that no citizen has to travel abroad for cancer treatment. Health Minister Mohamed Mchengerwa announced a three-year plan for the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) to expand its capacity, marking a major effort to strengthen local healthcare and improve access to advanced cancer care.
Speaking at the launch of ORCI’s new board in Dar es Salaam, Mchengerwa emphasized the government’s commitment to improving oncology services and reducing reliance on foreign facilities. “We must match President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pace in enhancing healthcare services, especially cancer treatment,” he said. “This is about saving lives and building confidence in our local health system.”
The minister toured ORCI’s ongoing projects, including the installation of three modern radiation therapy machines — LINAC and Cobalt units — along with cutting-edge diagnostic equipment such as a PET-CT scanner. These investments are expected to drastically improve the institute’s ability to detect and treat cancers effectively.
Mchengerwa also inspected a newly established cyclotron facility, which will allow ORCI to produce nuclear medicine locally for both cancer diagnosis and treatment. Highlighting the importance of patient care beyond technology, he said, “These upgrades are transformative, but reforms must go beyond buildings and equipment. Patient experience, service delivery, and innovation in care are equally critical.”
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ORCI’s Executive Director, Diwani Msemo, said the new technology will reduce waiting times for radiation therapy from 20 weeks to just two, while doubling the daily patient throughput from 200 to over 400. “This will allow us to serve more Tanzanians efficiently and position ORCI as a regional center of excellence,” he noted.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, and sub-Saharan Africa faces rising cases due to population growth and limited access to early detection and treatment. Strengthening local infrastructure, alongside better-trained staff and outreach programs, is critical to ensuring timely and affordable care for Tanzanians.
With these improvements, Tanzania aims not only to save lives but also to demonstrate that high-quality cancer care can be delivered locally. Officials hope that ORCI will become a model for the region, providing advanced treatment and fostering regional collaboration in oncology.
