Mthatha:Cancer patients in the Eastern Cape will benefit from improved access to specialized treatment with the inauguration of a R416 million oncology centre at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha. The new facility aims to bring vital cancer treatment services closer to patients in the region.
According to South African Government News Agency, the state-of-the-art centre offers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and specialized inpatient care. It primarily serves patients from the OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo, Chris Hani, and Joe Gqabi districts. Previously, patients needing radiotherapy had to travel to oncology centres in KuGompo City and Gqeberha, resulting in long journeys and extended periods away from their families.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government, with Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Health MEC Ntandokazi Capa at the helm, will officially open the facility later today. The centre is equipped with two linear accelerator machines and provides 68 dedicated inpatient beds, including 30 for female oncology patients, 30 for male patients, and eight for paediatric and neonatal oncology.
In addition to inpatient facilities, the new centre features an outpatient department with consultation rooms, counselling facilities, and resuscitation capacity. It also has a dedicated oncology pharmacy with areas for chemotherapy mixing and dispensing. Other amenities include chemotherapy treatment areas, isolation rooms, procedure and treatment rooms, nursing stations, patient holding areas, and recovery facilities.
A suspended link bridge connects the new centre to the existing hospital, facilitating access to essential supporting services such as radiology, laboratories, theatres, and the Central Sterile Services Department. The building is designed to accommodate two additional floors in the future, allowing for expansion to meet the growing demand for specialized cancer treatment.
The opening of this oncology centre marks a significant advancement in expanding access to specialized healthcare in the province, particularly benefiting communities that historically faced challenges in accessing cancer treatment due to distance.