ZAMBIA TO END OVERSEAS CANCER REFERRALS BY APRIL 2026
Zambia is set to end the referral of cancer patients abroad for radiotherapy services by April 2026 following significant progress made in upgrading specialised cancer care at the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH).
The move comes after Government undertook major reforms to modernise CDH, Zambia’s principal cancer treatment facility, which had operated with outdated equipment for several years. When the current administration assumed office in 2022, it prioritised the comprehensive replacement of obsolete machinery, a process that had not been carried out between 2016 and 2019.
This decision marked the beginning of extensive rehabilitation works, including construction, renovation, and re-equipping of the hospital aimed at strengthening cancer diagnosis and treatment services within the country.
All diagnostic renovations and equipment upgrades at CDH have since been completed. The hospital is now equipped with state-of-the-art CT and MRI scanners, mammography machines, modern treatment planning systems, and advanced diagnostic infrastructure.
These improvements have greatly enhanced the hospital’s capacity for early cancer detection and accurate diagnosis.
On the radiotherapy front, two purpose-built bunkers designed to house advanced linear accelerators have been completed.
Installation of the radiotherapy equipment is currently underway and is expected to be finalised before the end of the first quarter of 2026. Once operational, the new radiotherapy units will enable CDH to offer comprehensive cancer treatment services locally.
Health authorities say the completion of the upgrades will eliminate the need to send cancer patients abroad for radiotherapy, a process that has been costly for Government and emotionally taxing for patients and their families.
The development is expected to improve access to timely cancer care, reduce waiting periods for treatment, and significantly lower the financial burden associated with overseas medical referrals.
Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the health sector, with particular emphasis on specialised services, as part of broader efforts to ensure quality and affordable healthcare for all Zambians.