The closure of Le Dantec‘s radiotherapy services also has an impact on patients. With Pink October, women affected by cancers are hoping for better treatment despite the scarcity of resources.With Pink October, everyone remembers that cancers wreak havoc.All the organisations involved in the fight against cancer were on the streets this week.During the awareness walk on the Corniche-Ouest of Dakar between Soumbédiouneand the African Souvenir Pink World Place, MameDiarraGuèye, president of the Senegal Breast Cancer Association (Ac2s), insisted on the quality of patient care which is this year’s theme.Apparently, the situation is far from good.For her, the closure of the Aristide Le Dantec hospital and the redeployment of patients to other structures have caused dysfunctions in the follow-up of patients.She recalls the failure of one of the radiotherapy machines at DalalJammHospital due to electrical problems.« Many patients who were in treatment experienced a resurgence of the disease, » she says.Given the urgency, she calls on the authorities to solve this « electricity problem », which may cost the lives of some patients.Echoing this, Fatma Guenoune, the president of the Senegalese League for the Fight against Cancer (Lisca), who attended the awareness day event called for support to take greater care of the sick.In an almost pathetic tone, she asked patrons to assist in this fight for life: « Currently, the league no longer has the resources to accompany the sick.That is why I appeal to all to help Lisca to accompany cancer patients.It is true that during the pandemic, we were not able to organise a telethon, but we plan to do it very soon to be able to accompany many more patients in their treatment… »With the closure of the Aristide Le Dantec hospital on August 15, the entire chain of care for patients was disrupted.While Hald‘s radiotherapy has been transferred to the new CheikhoulKhadim hospital in Touba, DalalJamm hosts onco-paediatrics and part of the laboratories, according to the redeployment scheme drawn up by the Ministry of Health and Social Action.It should be noted that the maximum duration planned for the reconstruction work is 20 months at a cost of 60 billion F Cfa.This budget essentially takes into account the costs of reconstruction, the acquisition of equipment, monitoring and evaluation of the works.Eventually, Dantec, which will be level 4, should have a capacity of 600 beds and 24 operating rooms.By Justin GOMIS / 
justin@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH