The Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has advocated for additional cancer radiation treatment facilities in Accra and beyond to address the growing concern of cancer patients being denied treatment due to insufficient facilities.
Addressing the media during a familiarization tour at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission on Wednesday, Mr. Murtala proposed that increasing the number of radiation treatment centers would not only ease the burden on existing facilities but also ensure that all patients receive the treatment they need.
Currently, only two centers, Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye, provide radiation treatment, leaving a significant gap in access to care.
“The radiation treatment, my understanding is that, and per what they told us, we have only two, the one in Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye. There is a plan to have one in Tamale to take care of the five Northern Regions, and if you look at the numbers, there is too much pressure on the two that are operational now.
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Ghana has made progress in cancer treatment, with the radiotherapy department at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital showing significant growth in patient treatment numbers. Mr. Murtala Muhammed, however, said “more needs to be done to address the overwhelming demand for cancer treatment services.”.
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has highlighted the alarming statistics: 30,000 people are diagnosed with cancer annually, but only 10,000 receive treatment, leaving 20,000 without access to necessary care. The minister said a concerted effort is necessary to improve treatment centers and boost the fight against cancer.
“We may have another one in Accra, either Ridge Hospital or 37 Military Hospital. It will ease the pressure that is on the two. I will make a stronger case, and I believe that the government will give the needed attention,” he added.
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