DAR ES SALAAM: THE Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) is set to secure international accreditation in a bid to establish itself as a leading hub for cancer treatment.
According to Dr Diwani Msemo, the Executive Director of ORCI, the institute aims to achieve this goal within the next two to five years.
“In the next two to five years, we want to have international accreditation. We will implement significant reforms during this period,” Dr Msemo announced yesterday in Dar es Salaam.
His comments were made during a special event where the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) handed over a donation of 361.5m/- for the construction and equipping of a new cancer theatre room at ORCI.
Dr Msemo stressed the importance of modernising the institute’s facilities to meet international standards.
“This modern theatre and its equipment have come at the right time. We are preparing to begin implementing our 2026-2030 strategic plan, which is aimed at improving services to meet international standards,” he stated.
In his remarks, Dr Msemo expressed gratitude to the PSSSF for their support.
“Thank you for your decision to support our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. You have made the right investment, and you will not regret it because your contribution will directly impact the lives of Tanzanians,” he added.
The executive director also emphasised the importance of offering comprehensive care at ORCI, including improving the speed and efficiency of surgery for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
“We want to ensure that after chemotherapy, our patients can undergo surgery promptly, rather than being referred to other locations,” he explained.
Dr Msemo highlighted that while the government had invested significantly in cancer treatment, it could not manage the challenge alone.
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“Even developed countries rely on the support of various stakeholders in the fight against cancer. Cancer care is a cross-cutting issue requiring a global, multidisciplinary approach,” he said.
Last year, ORCI submitted a proposal to the PSSSF to garner further support. PSSSF Director General Fortunatus Magambo highlighted the fund’s commitment to improving healthcare through its corporate social investment policy.
He stated this in his speech read on his behalf by Mr Omega Ongole, PSSSF Head of Public Relations and Member Education.
“Our policy aims to improve health issues, we are investing in both economic projects and corporate social responsibility initiatives,” he said.
Mr Magambo also noted that PSSSF’s investment in ORCI’s renovation and equipment purchase is part of their ongoing efforts to support government initiatives.
“Today, we are happy to deliver 197m/- for renovation and 164m/- for the purchase and installation of medical equipment. This will make this theatre room a fullyfledged, advanced medical unit,” he stated.
He further emphasised that PSSSF’s investment would benefit over 800,000 members and their dependents, who will directly benefit from the improved cancer care services.
“The renovation is expected to be completed swiftly, allowing the public to receive timely services,” he stated.
This collaborative effort underscores the growing importance of partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges in Tanzania, particularly in the fight against cancer.