By AFAYO SHADRACH BETHEL

The government has earmarked Shs310 billion to purchase and install modern equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Addressing journalists in Kampala yesterday, Dr Nixon Niyonzima, the head of research and training at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), said they have so far received Shs250 billion.

He said the money will be used to buy a Positron emission tomography scan, a modern diagnostic machine that is used to determine the exact point the cancer is in the body.

The lack of hi-tech equipment in the country is causing financial haemorrhage as families and sometimes the government take the sick abroad for treatment, with some that involve taxpayers’ money sparking criticisms from the public.

Dr Jackson Orem, the head of UCI, said they are now able to provide around 80 percent of all types of medicines that cancer patients need.

He added that UCI receives several patients from Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Liberia, and Rwanda.