Maseru, Feb. 20 — An allocation of M100 million has been set aside for the continued construction of Lesotho’s national cancer centre, marking a significant step toward expanding access to specialised oncology services and reducing the country’s dependence on external medical referrals.
This investment forms part of the M3.1 billion provided to the Health sector in the 2026/27 national budget, aimed at strengthening service delivery, improving healthcare infrastructure, and enhancing population well-being.
According to the budget speech delivered by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Retsélisitsoe Matlanyane, the government will intensify reforms anchored on Primary Health Care, prioritising stronger community-level services and preventive health interventions.
She said the reforms will support a more responsive health system with emphasis on improved maternal and child health, expanded immunisation and community health services, elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and strengthened environmental health, including water, sanitation, food safety, and climate-health initiatives.
Dr. Matlanyane mentioned that resources will also be channelled toward modernising the national referral system, managing communicable diseases, and advancing the establishment of Lesotho’s Medical School through accreditation, infrastructure, and equipment. Additional efforts will reinforce disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, supported by improved health data systems and the operationalisation of the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.
Cancer has emerged as a growing public health challenge in the country, with increasing cases of cervical, breast, prostate, and Kaposi’s sarcoma being among the most frequently diagnosed.
For years, Basotho in need of cancer treatment have relied heavily on referrals to neighbouring South Africa (SA) due to the absence of specialised oncology services locally. This dependency has led to high treatment costs, long waiting periods, and psychological strain on patients and their families.
In response, the Government of Lesotho committed to establishing a national oncology facility to offer screening, diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and palliative care within the country.
Construction of the national cancer centre began in 2022, following government approval to develop a dedicated cancer treatment facility to strengthen local capacity and reduce external referrals.
The project has since progressed in phases, with ongoing infrastructure development and preparations for specialised service delivery.
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