22 Jul 2014

The cost of a standard radio-therapy treatment at Gaborone Private Hospital depends on the type of the cancer that is being treated.


Answering a question in Parliament, the Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr  Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri said it also depends on the fractions, doses and duration of the treatment as well as the diseases process and other co-morbidities.


Mr Matlhabaphiri said there are also technical and professional fees that are levied as well as costs related to pathology or extra chemotherapy depending on the cancer being managed.


Thus, he said a standard cost per patient will be around P100 000 depending on the treatment given and the duration.
Mr Matlhabaphiri said the standard cost in South Africa was around P105 for patients doing radiation on outpatient’s basis including, lodging, meals and local transportation costs.

He said the costs do not include transportation for patients from Gaborone to referral hospitals in South Africa.


He further said due to radiation complications and other co-morbidities the patient may require admission leading to high costs.


Mr Matlhabaphiri said government is currently constructing a medical teaching hospital at the University of Botswana which would also house radiotherapy services for the country. BOPA