Challenges and Prospects for Providing Radiotherapy Services in Nepal

Abstract

In Nepal, the incidence of cancer in both males and females increased drastically in the last decade and is predicted to increase as well in the near future. The increase in Cancer burden could be a serious concern due to an underdeveloped national cancer control program. Around 50-60% of cancer patients require radiotherapy at some point during their illness which establishes it as an integral component of comprehensive cancer care. The current status of radiation facilities in the country is so scarce that it will be impossible to address the issue with available resources. It is high time for the authority to formulate a national cancer control program including the development of radiotherapy equipment and human resources. This article discusses the number of radiotherapy facilities, available equipment, and trained manpower in Nepal. Whether the available facilities are as per standard recommendation and will those be enough to handle the increasing load of cancer patients requiring radiotherapy in the future has been emphasized. Along with those challenges, the opportunities for developing radiotherapy facilities in Low Middle-Income countries like Nepal have been stressed out.