A new partnership unveiled by the Ministry of Health through the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has brought forth relief to patients suffering from early-onset breast cancer.
Ministry of Health and a Swiss pharmaceutical company, Roche, forged the new partnership to ensure Kenyans receive standard care treatment.
The patients will now enjoy a free supply of a cancer drug treatment, Herceptin subcutaneous injection for free.
The drug is a targeted anticancer therapy administered to adult patients suffering from the early stage of breast cancer.
NHIF card holders diagnosed with breast cancer will be eligible for the 18-cycle treatment and will not be required to co-pay or incur any finances.
Treatment and care of the terminal illness, which affects both males and females, places a heavy financial and psychological burden on patients, driving many Kenyans into poverty.
The Health Ministry aims to create awareness of early diagnosis and endeavours to reach levels where it can comfortably control the growing ailment.
Breast cancer, is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Kenya, with 6,000 cases recorded annually and 2,500 breast cancer-related deaths recorded.
The good news coincided with the launch of the Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital Breast Care Centre of Excellence, an event graced by Health principal secretary, Susan Mochache and Swiss ambassador to Kenya, Valentin Zellweger.
"As we continue to put effort in strengthening our health system to ensure there is equitable and accessible cancer prevention and control services, we realize the importance of delivering faster, earlier diagnosis and better experiences for our patients," PS Mochache stated.
