DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania plans to establish a cancer drug manufacturing plant and a specialized cancer treatment center in the northern city of Arusha, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Paul Makonda said Monday.
Makonda, also the Arusha Urban Member of Parliament, said the government had already allocated land for the factory, which would produce cancer medicines for Tanzania and other African countries.
Preparations for construction were underway, he noted, adding that the project would create employment opportunities and support the establishment of a center of excellence offering advanced cancer treatment in Arusha.
Makonda made the remarks while visiting a cancer screening camp at Kaloleni District Hospital, which was conducted in collaboration with the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI).
He said the initiative aims to bring specialized cancer services closer to residents, reducing the need for them to travel to Dar es Salaam for screening and treatment.
Diwani Msemo, executive director of the ORCI, said that over 400 people had been screened since the exercise began on Sept. 28, including about 220 women and 180 men.
Msemo urged Tanzanians to undergo regular screening, saying that early detection increases the chance of successful treatment while lowering medical costs. ■
