Cancer patients deprived of essential support lifeline

The National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), the only comprehensive cancer treatment facility in the country, has been grappling with a complete halt in radiotherapy services. Out of the hospital’s six radiotherapy machines, two Linear Accelerators (LINACs) broke down two years ago, while two Cobalt machines became nonfunctional a year ago.  

The remaining two LINACs, which were overburdened serving 200-230 patients daily, also stopped functioning recently. One machine failed during a therapy session on December 21, while the other broke down the following day, leaving all radiotherapy services at the state-run hospital completely suspended.  

A notice in the radiotherapy department confirms the machines are out of order, but no timeline has been provided for their repair. Patients have been told they will be contacted when the machines are operational. Hospital authorities have announced plans to install two new radiotherapy machines in February and March.  

NICRH Director Dr. Jahangir Kabir confirmed that all six machines are currently nonfunctional, forcing approximately 200 cancer patients to go home without receiving treatment daily. "We are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible. By the first week of February, one new machine should be operational, and another by early March," he said. He added that if four machines are repaired, the hospital could provide therapy to an additional 600 cancer patients daily.  

The suspension of radiotherapy services highlights the systemic issues within Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Patients who had waited months for appointments expressed frustration and despair.  

Rabeya Begum, a 53-year-old breast cancer patient from Moulvibazar, had already undergone four radiotherapy sessions but was unable to receive her fifth when she arrived at the hospital, finding the machines nonfunctional. "My family had to borrow money for my treatment. Now I don’t know how I’ll manage the remaining sessions," she said.  

A doctor at NICRH, speaking anonymously, lamented the ongoing crisis. "For five years, patients have faced delays and disruptions due to faulty machines. Despite raising the issue with hospital authorities and higher officials, no action has been taken. It’s disheartening to constantly turn patients away when they urgently need treatment."  

This crisis underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure uninterrupted cancer care in the country.