Siaya: Siaya county referral hospital will begin chemotherapy treatment early next year in a bid to cut down on cost incurred by local patients to pursue treatment outside the county. According to Kenya News Agency, the county coordinator for non-communicable diseases, Peter Omoth, announced that plans were underway, with support from the county government, to provide cancer treatment at the facility. This initiative aims to save patients from the burden of traveling to cities like Kisumu, Eldoret, or Nairobi for such services.
Omoth made this announcement at the county referral hospital grounds in Siaya town during an event marking the end of the cancer awareness month. He added, “We are looking forward to giving chemotherapy next year. For now, we have a hospice which supports the palliative care,” and encouraged the public to undergo cancer tests. Omoth emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to combat the disease, which is straining family resources.
Earlier, at Ahindi gardens, Siaya Deputy County
Commissioner, Robert Ng’etich, urged Kenyans to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to ensure they have medical cover in case of chronic illnesses. Ng’etich highlighted the high costs of cancer treatment and the importance of having medical insurance to manage these expenses. He noted that SHIF’s provision for critical illnesses could significantly reduce medical bills.
Ng’etich also called on men to participate in breast cancer screenings, noting that they are equally susceptible to the disease as women. Peninah Buoga, a cancer survivor who has battled breast, brain, and lung cancers, advocated for the establishment of cancer treatment centers in rural areas. “My prayer is that we have chemotherapy here in Siaya. Going to Kisumu, Eldoret and Nairobi is hectic for us,” she said.
The event was attended by various local officials, including members of the county assembly, Obiero Otare (Siaya township), Ben Adalla (North Ugenya), David Ababa Ragen (central Alego), and the director of housing a
nd urban development, Jared Buoga, among others.
