Medics advocate for upgraded cancer centre in West Nile

Upgrade of the satellite cancer centre is crucial to ensuring equitable access to high-quality cancer care, medics said.

Medical teams in the West Nile sub-region have called for the upgrading of the regional referral satellite cancer center located at Arua Regional Referral Hospital.

Upgrade of the satellite cancer centre is crucial to ensuring equitable access to high-quality cancer care, medics said.

Advanced-stage cancer patients often face logistical challenges, financial strains, and emotional distress when traveling long distances for treatment.

"We currently have three patients with advanced cancer whom we referred to the National Referral Hospital," a medic who preferred anonymity said.

"However, due to financial constraints and transportation challenges, they have not been able to go, opting to stay home instead."

The director of Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Alex Andema, emphasized the importance of concerted efforts from policymakers, healthcare administrators, and funding agencies to allocate resources and develop strategic plans for enhancing infrastructure.

"We need a vehicle to transport patients," Andema said.

"Our cancer unit, currently functioning as a satellite, requires upgrading to a full cancer treatment center.

Additionally, we require more support in terms of human resources as we are understaffed."

These sentiments were conveyed during the two-day visit of United States Ambassador William W Popp to West Nile.

Ambassador Popp pledged continued support from the United States to Uganda in finding solutions that increase the efficiency and reach of public healthcare initiatives.

"By ultimately working together, we can improve health solutions for individuals that are particularly vulnerable. For example, HIV increases the likelihood of cervical cancer. I have visited the ward here," Ambassador Popp stated.