Relief as KU Hospital reports decline in cases of advanced cancer

There is a ray of hope for cancer treatment after it emerged that advanced cases of the killer disease are declining.

This is after medics at Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) found out that people diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 cancer were getting fewer than before.

"Of late, our tests show that more people are instead being diagnosed with stage one and two of the disease, unlike it was the case previously which offers hope and optimism to the treatment of cancer," said Prof Olive Mugenda, the hospital Board Chairperson.

She added;

"We don't know yet the real reason for the apparent decline in more advanced cases, but it may be attributed to the fact that more people are going for testing early and the fact that Kenyans are much more aware of the disease and are going for early screening."

She spoke during the commissioning of five newly acquired ultrasound machines that are used in the testing and treatment of cancer and other procedures.

The equipment bought through the Ministry of Health for Sh46 million brings to 13 the total number that the facility has so far.

Mugenda said patients will have the cost of treatment using these machines catered for by the government through the new Social Health Insurance program.

"This is one of the services that will be fully covered by the national government under the new medical scheme that is being launched in October and we want to assure Kenyans that we are ready for the rollout," stated the Chairperson.

Mugenda also said the additional equipment will drastically reduce the waiting time for patients coming to the hospital for tests and cumulatively increase the number of those who go through various procedures daily.

She noted that the facility has been experiencing an influx of patients, especially in the radiology department adding that the new machines will play a pivotal role in enhancing access to services.

“These machines are meant to streamline our services to reach out to many people in need faster and more effectively. They are state-of-the-art equipment and they will enhance patients’ outcomes while reducing the waiting time,” he said.

Prof Mugenda averred that the Hospital board is working round the clock to procure and install equipment that renders highly needed services at the facility to enhance the provision of quality and effective medical services to patients.

“We will continue to prioritize patient-centered care and this new addition will certainly elevate our capabilities in ensuring the best possible outcomes for those we serve,” she said.

The Chairperson also noted that investment in modern medical equipment has seen the number of Kenyans seeking specialized treatment abroad reduce drastically.

She cited PetScan services offered at the facility noting that the two PetScan machines at the hospital have worked wonders for Kenyans.

She however called on the government to continue supporting the facility, which she noted is a critical installation in the country and the region, through the provision of vital equipment.

She noted that the hospital needs Linac (Linear Accelerator) equipment for radiotherapy services which is critical in the treatment of cancer.

“We have one machine and we normally treat 100 patients a day. We have put a request to the government for another machine because we already have a banker where it will be installed. This will reduce the waiting time which is currently two months to two to three weeks,” Prof Mugenda stated.

Dr Kerama Onyimbo, the acting Director, of Clinical Services said the newly acquired machines are different in that they can operate for 24 hours without any interruption and more patients will therefore access services faster.

“Kenya has about 11 ultrasound machines per every 1 million residents against WHO’s recommendation of 100-150 machines per 1 million people. We are, however doing our best to increase access to ultrasound services,” Onyimbo said.