Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) inspects UTH re-established radiotherapy

Lusaka, Zambia – The Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) has announced the successful completion of a comprehensive inspection of the newly re-established radiotherapy facility located at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka. This critical assessment signifies a major step forward in ensuring the safety and operational readiness of the facility, which is poised to provide essential cancer treatment services to Zambian citizens. The inspection confirms adherence to national and international radiation safety standards, a prerequisite for the facility's full operationalisation. The re-establishment of radiotherapy services at UTH Cancer Diseases Hospital is a monumental achievement for Zambia's healthcare sector. For several years, local radiotherapy treatment had been unavailable, forcing many cancer patients to seek costly medical care abroad or face dire consequences. The Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH), established in 2006, serves as the country's national cancer centre, providing comprehensive care to an average of 3,000 patients annually, including some from neighbouring countries. The suspension of radiotherapy services in 2020 for upgrading and modernisation had created a significant gap in local cancer care provision. The RPA, mandated by the Ionising Radiation Protection Act of 2005, plays a vital role in safeguarding the public, workers, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation. Their rigorous inspection process ensures that all equipment, procedures, and personnel at the UTH Cancer Diseases Hospital's radiotherapy unit meet the highest safety protocols. This includes verifying the proper functioning of new linear accelerators and CT simulators, which are crucial for precise treatment planning and delivery. The Authority's oversight is instrumental in building public trust and confidence in the safety of these advanced medical technologies. Senior medical officials at UTH Cancer Diseases Hos