{
  "id": 17783435,
  "title": "Mozambique: Major Fire Destroys Large Part of HCM Oncology Department",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/mozambique-major-fire-destroys-large-part-of-hcm-oncology-department",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-11-02T10:59:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "AllAfrica Health",
    "slug": "allafrica-health",
    "url": "https://allafrica.com/stories/202611020295.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A major fire on Sunday caused extensive damage to the Oncology Department at Maputo Central Hospital (HCM), the largest health facility in Mozambique. The fire did not affect the bunker, where the radiotherapy equipment is housed, but it did not signify that all equipment was safe, as radiotherapy is highly sensitive to heat. Health Minister Ussene Isse stated that a multidisciplinary team is assessing the damage, while no fatalities or injuries were reported. All 22 patients admitted to the Oncology ward were safely evacuated, 12 of whom have been discharged and the rest transferred to the Dermatology Department for ongoing care. The minister emphasized the vital role of public institutions, including the National Public Rescue Service, Maputo International Airport fire department, National Atomic Energy Agency, and healthcare professionals, in mitigating the situation. The cobalt capsule used in radiotherapy was safely removed and secured by the National Atomic Energy Agency, eliminating any risk of radiation exposure. Radiation measurements in the area surrounding the radiotherapy unit were negative, but further assessment of the affected equipment is crucial due to its specialized nature in cancer treatment.",
  "summary": "[AIM] Maputo -- A major fire on Sunday destroyed a large part of the Oncology Department at Maputo Central Hospital (HCM), the country's largest health facility, causing material damage but \"it did not reach the bunker, which is the core area for radiotherapy services.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "Major fire on Sunday damaged HCM Oncology Department in Maputo Central Hospital",
    "No fatalities or injuries reported, 22 patients safely evacuated",
    "Cobalt capsule removed to prevent radiation exposure"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}