The Government has launched a regional Radiotherapy Cancer Centre in Nakuru County in a bid to increase access to radiotherapy services in the country. Speaking at Nakuru Level Five Hospital when she launched the facility, Health Principal Secretary Susan Mochache said that Ministry of Health has prioritized improving access to comprehensive cancer treatment in Kenya to ensure all individuals and communities receive the health services, they need without suffering financial hardship.
“This is in line with Universal Health Coverage that aims to ensure all health services are affordable to all Kenyans and reduce unnecessary pain and suffering” the PS said.
She informed that the government has also established regional cancer centres in Embu, Meru, Kisumu, Bomet, Garissa, Machakos, Mombasa, Kakamega and Nakuru and that the centres are currently operational providing chemotherapy and surgical services for cancer patients across the country. “ In fact, in 2021, nearly 40% of all our cancer patients received cancer services at the regional centers close to their homes while decongesting our national referral facilities.” She said.
The PS noted that the increasing number of cancer cases in the country has necessitated urgent solid measures to ensure our patients receive the medical attention required. She informed that cancer is estimated to be the third leading cause of death in Kenya with 37,000 new cases and 28,000 deaths annually.
“To ease this burden, the Ministry of Health designed a national cancer control strategy to guide the country in putting in place specific interventions towards cancer prevention and control based on the existing risk factors and available resources.” The PS said.
The PS called upon all stakeholders from government, civil society, and organizations that deliver cancer care to work together to rid the country off the cancer menace.
The launch was also marked together with the commemoration of the National Cancer Survivors Day. The PS encouraged cancer survivors that there is life beyond a cancer diagnosis. She informed that ministry put in place structures to support these patients by improving access to treatment services and supporting the cancer centers with essential oncology drugs and rehabilitative items.
“Currently, we are working with the NHIF to henceforth ensure cancer treatment and diagnosis is covered fully to ensure all cancer patients are able to complete their treatment.” She revealed.
She urged citizens to embrace free cancer screening services at level two public hospitals and called for support of those undergoing cancer treatment in the community.
Source: Ministry of Health