NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan cancer advocacy groups are raising the alarm over disruptions in cancer treatment access, urging the government to intervene as patients grapple with the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
In a joint petition submitted to the Ministry of Health and the National Assembly Health Committee, the Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) and the Cancer Survivors Association of Kenya have called for immediate action to restore full access to life-saving cancer services.
They argue that the ongoing transition to the SHIF, under the Social Health Authority (SHA), is creating a healthcare crisis for cancer patients.
“Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, with 44,700 new cases and 29,300 deaths reported annually,” the organizations stated, citing data from Globocan 2022.
They emphasized that many cancer patients depend on timely and consistent treatment, which is now under threat.
The petitioners highlighted several key issues, including the inability of patients to access treatment in public and private facilities due to system failures and payment delays.
The organizations are demanding that the government reinstate comprehensive cancer care services across all hospitals, ensuring that no patient is turned away or forced to pay out-of-pocket for treatment.
Additionally, the groups are calling for SHA to reinstate funding for overseas treatment for cancer patients who cannot access specialized care locally.
“We cannot afford to have our patients suffer or die because of administrative challenges,” the petition stated.
The civil society groups also raised concerns over the government’s delay in settling outstanding NHIF bills, which they claim has undermined confidence in healthcare providers who offer cancer treatment.
In a joint petition submitted to the Ministry of Health and the National Assembly Health Committee, the Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) and the Cancer Survivors Association of Kenya have called for immediate action to restore full access to life-saving cancer services.
They argue that the ongoing transition to the SHIF, under the Social Health Authority (SHA), is creating a healthcare crisis for cancer patients.
“Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, with 44,700 new cases and 29,300 deaths reported annually,” the organizations stated, citing data from Globocan 2022.
They emphasized that many cancer patients depend on timely and consistent treatment, which is now under threat.
The petitioners highlighted several key issues, including the inability of patients to access treatment in public and private facilities due to system failures and payment delays.
The organizations are demanding that the government reinstate comprehensive cancer care services across all hospitals, ensuring that no patient is turned away or forced to pay out-of-pocket for treatment.
Additionally, the groups are calling for SHA to reinstate funding for overseas treatment for cancer patients who cannot access specialized care locally.
“We cannot afford to have our patients suffer or die because of administrative challenges,” the petition stated.
The civil society groups also raised concerns over the government’s delay in settling outstanding NHIF bills, which they claim has undermined confidence in healthcare providers who offer cancer treatment.
