New machine for quicker treatment
More cancer patients can now be assisted at the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital after Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, unveiled a new linear accelerator machine at the hospital.
POLOKWANE – The previous machine was faulty and after two years, the hospital received a new one to the value of R47 million.
Patients will now be able to undergo treatment without having to wait for a long time.
The addition of the new machine means that the hospital will be able to treat a wider array of cancer cases using a diverse range of radiation therapies.
The machine has flexible treatment options and is able to provide a variety of conventional and advanced techniques.
The techniques are the ones that shape the radiation dose to the tumour while minimising the dose to the organs surrounding the tumour.
“Cancer patients in Limpopo had to wait for a long time in the past while begging for intervention in other provinces which have the luxury of this type of equipment,” said Ramathuba.
She went on to say all patients in Limpopo matter to her.
Dr Okello Francis Ooko, oncologist at the hospital, said the machine will shorten the waiting time.
“We are now able to treat about 80 patients a day. The machine has a two-year warranty so we know it will be serviced in time and work continuously.”
Dineo Mashalane, a medical physicist at the hospital, described the day as special, not only to the hospital, but also the people of Limpopo.
“Early detection saves lives. Cancer will be diagnosed early and patients will be able to undergo treatment.”
