PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON DR. LUKUMAY: GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE STRENGTHENING CANCER TREATMENT SERVICES, CITIZENS TO BENEFIT FROM FREE CARE
By Joseph Ngilisho – Arushadigital | Dar es Salaam
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS, Dr. Johannes Lembulung Lukumay, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services for chronic diseases, including cancer, noting that patients will continue to benefit from treatment services free of charge in line with directives issued by the President.
Dr. Lukumay made the remarks on March 13, 2026 in Dar es Salaam after leading members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS on a working visit to inspect key health sector development projects, including those at Amana Regional Referral Hospital and the Ocean Road Cancer Institute.
During the visit, the committee had the opportunity to assess the progress of several strategic projects aimed at enhancing cancer diagnosis and treatment services in the country. These projects are being implemented under the Ministry of Health through the Ocean Road Cancer Institute.
Among the projects inspected were the installation of modern radiotherapy machines including LINAC and Cobalt-2, advanced cancer diagnostic equipment such as PET/CT Scan and Cyclotron, as well as the construction of a Multi-Purpose Oncology Building which is expected to significantly expand the institute’s capacity to provide treatment services to patients from across the country.
Speaking during the tour, Dr. Lukumay said the Government’s investment in the health sector reflects its strong commitment to improving treatment services for chronic diseases, particularly cancer, which continues to affect a growing number of citizens.
He noted that the committee was impressed by the progress made in the implementation of the projects and emphasized that once completed, they will help address longstanding challenges in accessing cancer diagnosis and treatment services—challenges that previously forced some patients to seek treatment abroad or incur high medical costs.
During the visit, the committee chairperson also had the opportunity to speak directly with several patients receiving treatment at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute, who shared a number of challenges they face, including the high cost of cancer treatment.
In response, Dr. Lukumay assured the patients that the Sixth Phase Government under the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has placed strong priority on improving healthcare services, particularly for patients suffering from chronic illnesses.
He said the President has already directed that treatment for chronic diseases, including cancer, should continue to be strengthened and provided free of charge for eligible patients, alongside the ongoing implementation of the Universal Health Insurance scheme aimed at ensuring that every Tanzanian can access healthcare services without financial barriers.
Dr. Lukumay further emphasized that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and HIV/AIDS will continue to closely oversee the implementation of health sector projects and policies to ensure that the Government’s goal of providing quality healthcare services to all citizens is achieved.
Ends.
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