The Government has accelerated plans to roll out a state-funded health insurance scheme for Kenyans suffering from chronic diseases such as cancer.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced that the government is also investing in medical equipment to aid in the early diagnosis and management of cancer.
“Cancer is devastating to any family, both emotionally and financially. As a government, we have made interventions to establish an insurance scheme to cover chronic illnesses because the cost of treating cancer abroad is beyond the means of many families,” Mr. Gachagua said.
The Deputy President explained that the new insurance policy will transform the healthcare sector, save lives, and empower communities and families by reducing the financial burden.
“Many families are conducting harambees trying to raise millions of shillings to support their loved ones suffering from cancer. But I am encouraged that now we have installed a PET scan, which was only available outside the country several years ago. We have equipment that can help with early diagnosis because cancer ailments, if detected early, can be managed,” he stated.
The PET scan machine at KUTRRH was installed in 2022. The machine, the Deputy President said, brought relief to Kenyans as most patients were accessing the services outside the country.
The health insurance policy for chronic illnesses is part of strategic interventions deployed by the government to ensure that Kenyans have access to quality healthcare and holistic coverage. Mr. Gachagua added that the government intends to ensure families with cancer patients do not have to worry about covering medical expenses.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gachagua emphasized that the fight against illicit brews and drug abuse will continue uninterrupted.
“The challenge of illicit alcohol and drugs is real, and many people want to run away from reality. When we came to office with President Ruto, we found a big challenge on illicit brews and drugs in the entire country and more specifically in the Central Kenya region. We took it head-on and have made serious strides. The fight must continue uninterrupted to save our country,” he said.
He added, “I have put leaders on notice. Anyone trying to interfere will be called out by name so they can be shamed. We cannot allow the re-introduction of poison disguised as alcohol to kill our children.”
He called on the Church and religious organizations to join the government in saving the youth affected by these vices and rehabilitating those addicted.
