Kumasi

Diagnostic laboratories (clinical and pathology labs) and blood bank

• The assessment found that laboratory services in most health facilities were limited.
• Accreditation was in place for laboratory personnel, but not for facilities.
• There was no harmonisation of standard operating procedures between laboratories.
• The communication system among blood banks and labs was inadequate.

Surgical care

• The data revealed there were no written protocols for cancer surgery.
• There were also no dedicated operative theatres, or post-operative areas.
• Across the whole of Kumasi, there was not a single comprehensive cancer centre.

Medical oncology (adult and paediatric)

• Kumasi lacked accredited national training for oncology medical staff.
• Equipment was also lacking.
• There was no protocol for indication orand chemo drug administration.
• There were no wards to accommodate cancer in-patients.
• Chemotherapy agents were not always available for treatment.
• Bone marrow transplantation was not performed in the city.

Medical imaging (radiology and nuclear medicine)

• Equipment was often limited and facilities were often poorly maintained.
• There was no proper archiving for images.

Palliative and supportive care

• Kumasi lacked any clear protocols or policies for palliative care.
• There was no national essential list for palliative care medication.
• The city also lacked dedicated palliative care units.

Radiation oncology

• Oncology equipment was not sufficient to meet the city’s needs.
• There was no standard protocol for radiation oncology treatment.
• Equipment was poorly maintained.

• Human resources were limited for cancer care, including key areas such as nuclear medicine, surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care.
• Health education and cancer awareness were poor.
• Insurance coverage for cancer was limited.
• Cancer data was often lacking, and this impacted planning.

• The assessment revealed that service provision was limited by staffing shortages.
• Teams did not meet across disciplines as routine practice.
• The city lacked standard operating procedures for treatment planning.
• The cancer registry unit was not properly integrated into the health system.
• There was no electronic system for medical records.

• Cancer units within existing facilities were limited.
• Patient advocacy programmes were available, but only practised in a few facilities.
• A poor doctor-patient ratio led to delays.
• Financial constraints hindered the provision of comprehensive care.