The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo calls for more action from the Limpopo Department of Health in tackling Cancer as we observe World Cancer Day today.
World Cancer Day aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and education about cancer, and pressing governments and individuals across the world to take action against the disease.
The Limpopo Department of Health’s response to the challenge that Cancer poses has been compromised by the shortage of medical personnel, medical equipment, resources and backlogs with regards to treatment.
In a report to the National Parliament Health Portfolio in 2018, the Limpopo MEC for health Phophi Ramathuba advised that there were only 1,5 specialists per 100 000 population in the Province and that there was a waiting period of up to 12 months from diagnosis of cancer to oncology treatment. The department needs to increase capacity and resources in the province’s healthcare facilities.
The province is currently faced with a mammoth challenge of dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, but this should not take focus away from the need to fight cancer and prevent any unnecessary deaths.
The DA stands in solidarity with all those affected by Cancer and sends its sincere condolences to all those that have lost loved ones to the disease. There is a need to raise greater awareness and education as well as strengthen early diagnosis and improve the chances of survival for millions of people living with cancer.