DAR ES SALAAM: Health Minister Ummy Mwalimu has asked the Ocean Road Cancer Institute until February 2024, <> to start using the Pet-CT Scan machine so that overseas referrals can be reduced.

Minister Ummy made the statement today after visiting the services provided at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es Salaam.

"You have told me on December 26, you will test this machine now I want to come back here on 01-02-2024 to see the Pet-CT Sacan machine be in operation so that Tanzanians can access Pet-Ct Scan services in the country," Ummy said.

In addition, Ummy thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to care for the health of Tanzanians by funding the health sector for treatment including cancer and medical equipment.

He said that the number of patients being sent abroad on government sponsorship is 42 patients, including 15 cancer patients over a three-month period from July to September.

"We want to reduce overseas referrals to move services to Tanzanians but also save government money and we will continue to invest in improving cancer services in the country."

Minister Ummy also called on the Ocean Road Cancer Institute to build capacity for the experts in the Regional Referral Hospitals and Regional Referral Hospitals, especially the handbag services, as the institution is the country's cancer management centre.