Mohale FM Private gynecologist Dr. Lineo Mabusela Letlala has highlighted critical gaps in Lesotho’s healthcare system, particularly in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Speaking at a recent health forum, she emphasized that the private sector remains limited in its capacity to provide comprehensive cancer care, with services such as screening, oncology, and radiology still underdeveloped.
Dr Letlala said screening remains one of the most deficient services. Even when patients do receive care, she said they often have to seek treatment at Sankatana Oncology Clinic due to the absence of dedicated oncology centres and radiology services within Lesotho private practice where cancer is concerned.
The doctor pointed out that this dependence on external facilities underscores the urgent need for a robust healthcare framework that prioritizes early detection. She explained that early diagnosis is crucial, as cancers like cervical and breast can often be cured if identified at an initial stage.
She reiterated that early detection saves lives, saying if a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer early, she can be cured and freed from cancer’s grip. She said the same applies to breast cancer patients.
Lesotho faces additional challenges due to a shortage of specialized cancer expertise, often forcing patients to be referred to South Africa for treatment. Dr. Letlala stressed that technological innovations, such as point-of-care testing for cervical cancer, have made screening easier and faster, allowing for immediate results and timely intervention.
However, she expressed concern over disparities in service availability across the country. She said lately there is cytology services in some regions, but extending these services across all ten districts remains a challenge, which doesn’t make sense because that’s the most effective and cheapest way.
Concluding her remarks, Dr. Letlala urged government and private stakeholders to prioritize cancer screening and early detection initiatives.
