A new cancer clinic has been commissioned at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital (KCRH) to offer reprieve to patients.
The four bed Oncology unit which was opened by the Chairlady of County First Ladies Association (CFLA) Mrs. Maria Mbeneka will see patients get their doses of chemotherapy, have reviews and treatment at the facility.
Dr. Patrick Kenei, an Oncologist at the facility, said so far, they have screened 300 patients, have 50 active clients and 10 survivors adding that as a unit, they were very happy that the number of patients being referred to other hospitals has reduced.
“We have a fully functional Oncology Unit where chemotherapy is conducted, and screening and radiology is done. The unit started this year on February and we thank God we have had success stories,” said Kenei.
A 64-year-old cancer survivor Jenipher Jebet said that she had to look for medication at KCRH after trying different traditional medicine.
“I started treatment after being diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer. After 6 cycles of medication, I am cancer free. I thank the efforts and support of doctors and the county government for making it possible,” she added.
The Enabling and Motivating Partnership Owned by Women to Engage and Reclaim their lives (EMPOWER) is an initiative which was started by CFLA that seeks to promote cancer prevention, early diagnosis, screening and enhancement of cancer care systems in the country.
Mbeneka who is the wife of Laikipia Governor said that the aim of the Association is to enhance quick detection of cancer, treatment and management while on the other side trying to make it affordable to the common Wananchi.
“This facility is set to bring cancer detection and care services closer to the people of Kapsabet and neighboring counties and also reduce the cost of treatment,” she said.
Nandi First Lady Mrs. Sheila Sang stated that the association would source for more funds to enable the clinic to run smoothly.
“Women are the wheels of the economy and this is where the Empower project was born to help in awareness and advocacy on cancer treatment,” Mrs. Sang said.
Speaking at the same occasion, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said his administration would commit in providing essential supplies to ensure that the rising burden of cancer is reduced in the County.
“The delays and sometimes patients skipping treatments due to distance coverage, cost and poor follow ups should stop now that the facility is here,” said Sang.
Present were First ladies from Baringo, Bomet, Kisii, Bungoma, Makueni, Turkana Kakamega, Isiolo, Kajiado and Busia County.
By Jepkoech Jackline
