There is renewed hope for cancer treatment following reports that advanced cases of the disease may be on the decline. According to medics at Kenyatta University Teaching, Research, and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH), the number of patients diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 cancer has reduced.
“Recently, our tests indicate that more patients are being diagnosed at stages 1 and 2, compared to previous years. This brings optimism for cancer treatment,” said Prof. Olive Mugenda, Chairperson of the hospital’s Board. She added, “We are not certain about the exact reason for the decline in advanced cases, but it could be due to increased early testing.”
Mugenda made these remarks while unveiling five newly acquired ultrasound machines, which will be used for cancer screening and other medical procedures. The machines, purchased by the Ministry of Health at a cost of KSh 46 million, raise the hospital’s total number of such equipment to 13. Mugenda assured the public that the cost of treatment using these machines would be covered under the new Social Health Insurance (SHI) program.
“This is one of the services that will be fully funded by the national government through the SHI medical scheme launching in October, and we are prepared for its rollout,” she affirmed. Mugenda also noted that the new machines will significantly reduce patient wait times and increase the daily number of procedures.
Dr. Kerama Onyimbo, Acting Director of Clinical Services, highlighted that the new machines are capable of operating 24 hours a day without interruption, enabling faster access to services for more patients.
