Niël Terblanché
Cancer patients will henceforth have access to a newly upgraded Cobalt-60 radiotherapy unit at Windhoek Central Hospital, following a N$16 million investment by the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
The modernised facility, which includes a new cobalt source and a simulator designed to improve the precision of cancer treatment, was officially inaugurated last week.
According to the former health minister, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, the revamped system marks a major step forward in Namibia’s cancer care capacity.
“As the newly refurbished Cobalt-60 radiotherapy system is set into use, it represents a substantial leap forward in cancer radiotherapy treatment capacity for the public health sector,” he said.
He added that the upgrade includes new hardware and software, along with a state-of-the-art multi-leaf collimator.
This component allows more accurate targeting of cancerous cells while reducing exposure to healthy tissues.
“The inclusion of a multi-leaf collimator provides a more focused treatment approach, allowing us to optimise the targeting of cancerous tissues while sparing healthy tissues,” he said.
The installation of the new cobalt source was completed in December 2024.
According to Shangula, the improvements are expected to shorten treatment times, enhance therapeutic outcomes, and lessen the side effects patients typically endure.
“Radiotherapy, such as the type administered using the external beam radiotherapy (Cobalt-60 Unit), is one modality that works in conjunction with surgery and chemotherapy,” he explained.
He added that the health ministry will also extend cancer treatment capacity beyond the capital.
Shangula announced that a radiotherapy centre is planned for Oshakati, with a projected investment of N$240 million.
“In addition, the Ministry has set in motion a process for the further refurbishment of this oncology unit, which will include the construction of a bunker and a Linear Accelerator (LINAC), the replacement of the Brachytherapy machine, and the supply of the software suite to manage operations,” he said.
Shangula added that the recent developments reflect an ongoing commitment to improving both the reach and quality of cancer care services across the country.
