Bomet County government has equipped the oncology section in Longisa county and referral hospital and other health facilities in the area with 36 new thermal ablation machines to boost the fight against cancer.
The machines are aimed at enhancing the efficiency of screening and treatment of cancer patients within the region.
Speaking during the handover of the equipment, area Governor, Dr Hillary Barchok stated that the move is going to benefit residents from within and its environs.
“Medical equipment plays an integral role in the provision of health services to the people. As such, we are committed to availing the necessary equipment to assist our patients to receive quality and timely treatment,” stated Barchok.
Governor Barchok further added that in a bid to ensure efficiency in the use of the cancer assorted equipment, the county has already trained some health staff who will be working in the oncology department.
“The thermal ablation machines, which are used for screening of cervical cancer, will boost our screening and treatment approach for the disease. So far, we have trained 284 nurses, 7 medical officers and 7 clinical officers under this programme.” he revealed.
The machines are set to be distributed to 30 health centres across the county, its five sub-county hospitals and the Longisa County Referral Hospital.
Barchok also said acquiring of the machines was a result of a strong partnership between its government, the National Cancer Control Programme and Clinton Health Initiative (CHAI).
“I am delighted that our county has acquired 36 thermal ablation machines which were realised through a partnership between County Government of Bomet, the National Cancer Control Programme and Clinton Health Access Initiative),” stated Dr Barchok.
Two years ago, during the memorial service of the late Bomet Governor Dr Joyce Laboso who succumbed to Cancer, President Uhuru Kenyatta, said that Longisa hospital was among the 14 other county hospitals, which will start offering radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients.
By Lamech Arisa and Julie Chepkirui
