Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo has received 10 specialised chemotherapy chairs, a donation expected to improve cancer treatment services and patient comfort.
The chairs were handed over on Friday at a ceremony presided over by Vice Preisdent Kembo Mohadi.
The chairs were sourced by Dr Anna Nyakabau an Oncologist following a fundraising partnership between Cancer Save and St John’s College in Harare. The initiative, coordinated by the Maguire family during the school’s Big Event in July, raised funds to purchase 20 chairs from local supplier Medbee Health. The remaining 10 will be delivered to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
Dr Nyakabau said the donation was aimed at ensuring patients undergoing chemotherapy in public institutions are treated with dignity.
“A lot of people are scared of chemotherapy, but it destroys cancer cells so patients can be healed and continue with their lives,” she said. “We wanted to make sure patients are comfortable while undergoing treatment.”
Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, pledged that the government would provide a further 20 chemotherapy chairs, to be distributed between Mpilo and Parirenyatwa.
“These facilities are at the forefront of cancer treatment in our country, and this donation will go a long way in enhancing patient comfort and service delivery,” he said.
Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora announced that he would also donate an additional 20 chairs.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube said the hospital had been using ordinary chairs for chemotherapy cycles, which were unsuitable for lengthy sessions.
“The treatment chairs donated today will enhance patient well-being by offering comfort and safety, helping to reduce fatigue, pain and anxiety,” she said.
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Zimbabwe, where public hospitals often face shortages of equipment and essential drugs.