Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has instructed national referral hospitals, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and the Digital Health Authority (DHA) to formalise partnerships with Centres of Excellence in cancer care.
The directive comes amid concerns about cancer treatment in the country after the only Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Elekta machine broke down at the Kenyatta Referral Hospital, leaving hundreds of patients dependent on it stranded.
Speaking at a high-profile health event, CS Duale emphasised the need for strategic collaboration and resource-sharing among key health institutions to improve the quality and accessibility of cancer treatment.
The CS was speaking during the official launch of the Cyclotron 11 MeV machine in the country's move to fight against cancer.
The Cyclotron 11 MeV machine is a cutting-edge technology used in cancer treatment, primarily for producing radioisotopes that aid in early diagnosis and precision therapy.
It generates crucial isotopes like Fluorine-18, which are used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to detect cancer at its earliest stages, improving treatment outcomes.
Currently, the machine is available at the Nairobi West Hospital Centre of Excellence.
Duale stressed that Kenya has the potential to become a regional hub for medical excellence and tourism, provided healthcare institutions work together to harness their expertise and infrastructure.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Kenya, claiming nearly 30,000 lives annually. Late diagnosis and limited access to advanced treatment have exacerbated the crisis, prompting urgent interventions from the Ministry of Health.
"There is an importance of strategic collaboration, resource-sharing, and digital transformation in making Kenya a regional hub for health excellence and medical tourism," said Duale.
Further, the CS urged public-private partnerships to complement government initiatives, ensuring cancer patients receive comprehensive, high-quality care without unnecessary financial strain.
He assured cancer patients that the country is committed to ensuring that diagnosis, treatment, and care are taken care of to ease them from the burden of the painful disease.
