Tanzania and India’s Apollo Hospital have teamed up to explore the integration of robotic surgery in cancer treatment, aiming to reduce patient harm and shorten hospital stays.
The Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) is investigating the potential of this advanced technology, which is already widely used in developed countries, to enhance cancer care in Tanzania.
Dr. Jerry Ndumbaro, President of the Tanzania Society of Oncologists, emphasized the advantages of robotic surgery, explaining that it uses specialized radiation to target and destroy cancer cells in localized areas, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.
During a recent symposium, he noted that this technique is particularly beneficial for cancers located deep within the body, such as those in the brain and lungs. Dr. Ndumbaro also pointed out that while Tanzania currently uses computed tomography (CT) scans and linear accelerators for modern treatments, the country has yet to adopt robotic surgery, underscoring the need for greater awareness and training in new medical technologies.
Dr. Susheela Sridhar, a radiation oncologist from Apollo Hospital, acknowledged Tanzania’s progress in modern cancer care and stressed the importance of capacity building for the successful implementation of robotic surgery. She highlighted that robotic surgery enables faster recovery, with patients typically spending only five days in recovery before being discharged.
Dr. Julius Mwaiselage, Executive Director of ORCI, emphasized the role of the seminar in fostering collaboration between Tanzanian specialists and Apollo Hospital experts. He noted that the event provided valuable insights into modern cancer treatments that minimize side effects, including both traditional chemotherapy and newer approaches like immunotherapy.
Mr. Alex Audax, Apollo Hospitals’ representative in Tanzania, spoke about the partnership with the Ministry of Health and local cancer treatment centers, explaining that Apollo provides surgical care and guidance to patients while facilitating communication and collaboration between Tanzanian doctors and their Indian counterparts.
As reported by medicalbuyer, the seminar also included training for Tanzanian specialists in robotic radiation treatment, with plans for some to undergo further training at Apollo Hospitals in India for three to six months.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone for cancer treatment in Tanzania, opening the door for more effective and less invasive therapies in the region.