The government of Tanzania has been blamed for failure to give free health services especially medication to patients suffering from cancer disease.

CUF Special Sit legislator, Riziki Omar Juma who yesterday wanted the government to give free medication for cancer patients in Tanzania.

Earlier yesterday during questions and answers session, CUF Special Sit legislator, Riziki Omar Juma asked why the government does not provide free medication to cancer patients as the costs of curing the disease have been increasing every day.

The MP said many Tanzanians are poor and cannot afford the costs hence the government has to play its part in ensuring every Tanzanian gets better health care.

Replying the question, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Seif Rashid said the government is still looking on the best way which can help them to serve cancer patients.

“Madam Speaker we are still looking on good way which can make our cancer patients get better services.”

The Deputy Minister said the government tried for its level best to help them as more than 30 percent of patients who were flown to abroad for further medication last year were cancer patients. Also said other patients pay for themselves as they are treated in private hospitals.

Dr Seif admitted that it’s true that without government help many poor Tanzanians cannot afford cancer costs.

“It’s true that cancer treatment is very expensive…12 injections cost Tsh 3.6 Mil.”