Cancer-related fatalities were targeted for reduction with the commencement of the construction of a nuclear and Cancer Center in Ndola, Zambia. Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, highlighted Zambia’s significant progress in utilizing technologies and nuclear science in the health sector. He disclosed that the government allocated $25 million towards the construction of the center, aimed at combating cancer-related deaths.
Government’s efforts to strengthen protection against the effects of cancer through the application of nuclear medicine and radiation have taken a significant step forward with the enactment of new regulations and the allocation of funds for a specialized center. Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, speaking at a joint press briefing with the Ministry of Health and the Radiation Protection Authority (IPA), announced the implementation of two Statutory Instruments (SIs): the Ionising Radiation Protection (Nuclear Medicine) Regulations 2024 and the Ionising Radiation Protection (Radiotherapy) Regulations 2024. These regulations aim to enhance radiation protection management, safety, and security in the country’s healthcare system.
Mutati disclosed that the government has invested over $25 million in the construction of a nuclear and Cancer Center in Ndola, which will play a crucial role in managing the treatment of the increasing number of cancer patients. The center is part of a broader strategy to minimize cancer-related mortality rates and improve access to quality healthcare services.
The Minister emphasized the importance of compliance with safety standards and the need for rigorous oversight to ensure patient safety and minimize treatment costs. He urged the media to raise awareness about the significance of these regulations among the public.
Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination in the Ministry of Health, George Sinyangwe, underscored the advancements in nuclear medicine and radiotherapy, emphasizing their transformative impact on the diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions. Sinyangwe stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of safety and protection when using ionizing radiation, particularly in healthcare settings.
Christabel Reinke, Chairperson of the Radiation Protection Board, expressed gratitude to the government for its commitment to upholding the highest standards of radiation safety and protection in the country’s health system. She commended the government’s support for initiatives aimed at safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens, employees, and the environment.
These developments mark a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to combat cancer and other diseases caused by radiation while ensuring the safety and security of its healthcare infrastructure.
While this is good news as it about improving our health, we NEED TO DEVELOP CAPACITY TO MANAGE NUCLEAR ENERGY FOR ELECTRICITY GENERATION! It is now clear that our clean Hydroelectricity has an uncertain future to be relied upon to power our development especially if we are looking at proper industrialisation!!
There are other options to nuclear energy for power generation due to the high costs and risks. We have not fully utilized our coal resources, solar, wind and bio-energy capacities to produce power and diversify our energy mix
@ Maria, my reading as lay a person to the energy sector tells me that countries are moving away from coal, developed countries that dictate the world agenda have drafted a period within which countries will be required to switch to clean energy. Yes we can use coal now, but for how much more longer? Solar and wind energy are said to be quite expensive to set up,costly to stabilise, to ensure steady supply into the grid over 24hours. Further, there is also a debate that wind turbines are noise polluters and affect wildlife, they kill birds. Small Modular Nuclear plants are said to be safer, easier to manage and competitive with hydroelectricity and may cost less than solar installations.
Failing to maintain the one in Lusaka now opening one in Ndola. Are we going to have 2 white elephants?
“ Mutati disclosed that the government has invested over $25 million in the construction of a nuclear and Cancer Center in Ndola, which will play a crucial role in managing the treatment of the increasing number of cancer patients.” the question is WHY increasing number of cancer patients?? Is it life style, imported life style?? Our people must be encouraged to eat our own home grown foods. Don’t force them to eat imported foods due to bad Govt. Policies and actions. Timely warning!!