Breakdown of Radiotherapy Machines at KATH Threatens Cancer Treatment
The National Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Center at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Ashanti is on the verge of suspending services to cancer patients following the breakdown of its two radiotherapy machines.
The facility, which serves patients from 12 regions across the country, has been crippled by the breakdown, affecting approximately 1,200 patients.
According to the Clinical Oncologist at KATH, Dr. Bawuah Asare Bonsu, the machines have been out of operation for over a month, making it challenging to receive new cancer patients.
Speaking to OTEC News on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Dr. Bonsu disclosed that the situation will affect over 800 to 1,200 cancer patients who rely on the facility for treatment.
Dr. Bonsu noted that it takes considerable time for the facility to acquire the necessary parts for engineers to repair the machines whenever they break down.
However, he revealed that the parts needed to fix one of the machines had been imported and is awaiting the arrival of engineers to facilitate the repair.
The Clinical Oncologist expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting the urgent need for a solution.
Dr. Bonsu called on stakeholders to help resolve the problem, emphasizing the importance of restoring the radiotherapy services to ensure that cancer patients receive the treatment they need.
The breakdown of the radiotherapy machines has significant implications for cancer patients in Ghana, many of whom rely on the National Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Center for life-saving treatment. With the facility on the verge of suspending services, the situation demands immediate attention from relevant authorities and stakeholders.
The call for urgent action to restore the radiotherapy services is not only a matter of medical necessity but also a humanitarian imperative, given the critical need for cancer treatment among patients.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
