Health CS Aden Duale at the Garissa Regional Cancer Center during an inspection. Photo: Aden Duale X.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, on Sunday visited the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre, one of only three specialized cancer treatment facilities in the country, alongside centers in Mombasa and Nakuru.
Duale was accompanied by Dr. Joan-Paula Bor from the Ministry of Health National Cancer Control Program and Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane Muhumed.
The visit is part of President William Ruto’s government, efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure amid the rising burden of cancer in the country. In his visit, Duale inspected the center’s state-of-the-art medical equipment and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care.
The facility serves not only Garissa residents but also patients from neighboring counties including Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Kitui, Isiolo, Lamu, and even Somalia. He later held a meeting with the Centre’s medical staff to discuss operational challenges and explore solutions to improve cancer treatment delivery.
” We are also working with pharmaceutical partners to lower the cost of cancer drugs and consumables. I deeply thank the committed healthcare team driving this mission,” CS Aden Duale said.
Additionally, 90 percent of patients at the Centre are enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which fully funds their cancer treatment locally and nationally. The SHA’s expanded oncology package has significantly alleviated the financial burden on patients, reflecting a commitment to accessible cancer care.
‘The Centre serves about 40 patients daily, 10 of them new cases. Notably, 90% are covered by the Social Health Authority (SHA), whose Ksh550,000 oncology package ensures free, comprehensive treatment,” Duale said.
The situation further boosts healthcare services in the North Eastern Kenya, in January the president reprimanded the Kisii County contractor delaying the construction of the cancer center, which was to serve the larger Nyanza Region.
The Kenya Kwanza government has reinforced its commitment to boosting health care in the country, with constant calls to Kenyans to register with SHA, to benefit from the government’s health insurance fund.
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