Kenya is making significant strides in providing quality Cancer Care for those suffering from the disease, with an estimated 44,000 Kenyans developing the disease annually. The country’s objective is clear: quality and accessible care for all.
Today, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale hosted a signing event to support the development of the plan for the country’s cancer centers in Mombasa, Garissa, and Nakuru counties. The plan’s objective is to ensure the equipment used in the treatment of the disease, such as the radiotherapy linear accelerator, is always functional and in top shape, with the ability to address any issues at the soonest possible time so patients do not spend a lot of time traveling long distances.
This plan is an extension of the wider move towards Universal Health Coverage in the nation, with the aim of ensuring all citizens have access to quality healthcare. This means, for instance, that those fighting the disease won’t have to travel all the way to Nairobi for treatment, but can receive the healthcare they need at the regional hospital closest to them.
Additionally, the government introduced the Social Health Authority, raising the cap for the cost of cancer treatment for each patient to KSh 800,000, allowing over 29 million registered Kenyans to afford the treatment they need for the disease, which is very costly.
Duale urged these counties to make sure their regional hospitals are well-stocked with all the necessary equipment, such as brachy wires, thermoplastic masks, etc. He said, it is all about how the government and private sector can work together.
