Acacia House for cancer patients grows The Cancer Association of Namibia last week held a ground-breaking ceremony for a planned new accommodation wing at House Acacia in Windhoek, a home away from home for out-of-town cancer patients.Namsov, First National Bank of Namibia and Namibia Breweries donated a total of N$470 000 for the expansion. “Cancer affects all of us, whether is a family member, a friend, a colleague, a doctor or a patient,” Namsov spokesperson Anne-Marie Molatudi said at the ceremony.
House Acacia was established 30 years ago to offer accommodation for cancer patients undergoing treatment in Windhoek. Initially, the house offered nine beds. Ten years later it was expanded to accommodate 21 patients.
Now, with an increase of patients travelling to the capital, a new accommodation wing has become a critical need. “At the moment we can accommodate 21 patients from around Namibia, but our waiting list is incredibly long, that is why we need the expansion. As a result of the support from the public and our partners we are able to do this, in addition to addressing urgent maintenance needs,” Rolf Hansen of the association said.
Patients stay free of charge at Acacia House, and companions can join them for a mere N$50 per day.
Patients staying at Acacia House receive three meals per day and are transported to and from their medical treatment centres in Windhoek.
In 2015, Acacia House offered these services to 294 patients who stayed there for a total of 1 750 bed nights.
The operational budget for House Acacia during the last financial year stood at N$539 240 and the operational budget for the current financial year is N$640 000.
The house is entirely dependent on public funding.
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