Lack of profession doctors for cancer at the Mzuzu Central Hospital has led to the facility stop administering some drugs to patients as such medicines need well-trained doctors to administer them, the hospital senior official has disclosed.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) at the end of World Cancer Day commemorations held at Mzuzu Central Hospital on Thursday, Medical Officer of Mzuzu Central Hospital, Dr Ruth Nyirenda said the health facility is facing a lot of challenges when it comes to treating cancer patients in northern region.

“We are failing to administer some of the cancer drugs to our patients just because there is no well-trained doctor which makes the hospital lose a lot of money by sending these patients to Lilongwe and Blantyre for treatment.

However, lack of specialized doctors to treat cancer has not made the hospital relent in the fight against the disease and Dr. Nyirenda said the central hospital will work with district hospitals in order to raise more awareness on the disease and help decrease discrimination and stigmatization.
On his part Deputy Mayor of Mzuzu City, Frazer Chunga called on all people to unite and fight against cancer.

“We are going to sit down as council and see how we can help fight against cancer in our city and map the way forward on the issue of having professional doctors at Mzuzu Central Hospital.

“If people are sick now and then, the country suffers a lot in terms of development because family members are busy taking care of patients,” he said.

He then appealed to the general public to see doctors when they are not feeling well in order to get treatment at the right time.

World Cancer Day was established in 2000 with the aim of raising cancer awareness to patients and the general public. It is commemorated on 4th February every year worldwide and this year’s theme is: “We can, you can”.