Cancer patients have issued a plea to the government, describing the emotional and financial hardship they have experienced under the new Social Health Authority. They have detailed the main challenges they have faced under the scheme.
Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health on Tuesday November 11, representatives from the Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations (KENCO) complained that the new system was failing its most vulnerable members.
According to KENCO director Phoebe Ongadi, new barriers have emerged for cancer patients since the move to the SHA, with patients reportedly facing uncertainty over whether their claims will be approved.
“SHA has increased emotional distress more than the disease itself,” Ongadi said. “Patients live in constant fear, wondering when their treatment will be approved, when their financial year begins, or when they’ll be told to pay out of pocket.”
Ongadi cited the case of a registered SHA member who was reportedly left in disarray when her account was marked as 'expired' midway through treatment, despite having paid her annual premiums twice in three months.
Ongadi claimed that, because of the confusion, some patients seeking chemotherapy, radiotherapy and follow-up care were forced to travel to Nairobi just to get some basic clarifications.
Furthermore, KENCO called for flexible payment options, arguing that paying an annual premium in one go was not practical, especially for patients in the informal sector.
A cancer survivor who supported the calls for flexible payment said that one reason the informal sector was reluctant to support the new scheme was concern over premiums.
During the meeting, concern was also raised over the Primary Health Care Fund and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), which remains underfunded despite rising cases of chronic illnesses in the country.
Ongadi added, “On paper, these funds exist, but in reality, the coffers are empty. Patients are told to transition to new coverage tiers after exhausting limits, yet no money is available. This defeats the purpose of Universal Health Coverage.”
According to KENCO, the most common cancers affecting Kenyans are breast, cervical, prostate, oesophageal and colorectal, with 70 per cent of the cases diagnosed at advanced stages.
On Monday, November 10, popular Kikuyu gospel singer Betty Bayo became the latest public figure to succumb to cancer.
In October, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed the government's plans to implement a flat-rate premium of Ksh 660 per month for vulnerable Kenyans.
The initiative targets vulnerable persons identified through collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection, aiming to expand affordable healthcare to all Kenyans.
As part of KENCO's resolutions, the body urged the government to include cancer patients and survivors in policy-making bodies since those directly affected by health reforms can come up with better policies.
Committee chair James Nyikal welcomed the proposal, adding that it would be shared with the Ministry of Health for consideration.
