National UHC implementation to start next month, says Minister

The government will fully implement the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) from January 2020.

Health Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki, the move comes after the successful implementation of the pilot project in four counties.

They include Nyeri, Machakos, Kisumu, and Isiolo.

Speaking at Kenya National Hospital (KNH) Pediatrics Oncology centre, Kariuki pointed out that UHC implementation will help Kenyans to access health service affordably.

The centre is hosting a total of 71 children receiving treatments on various types of cancer with the hospital officials citing that children with cancer cases are increasing.

The hospital also attends to at least 30 outpatients cancer cases for children.

“The treatment for the disease is a tall order for parents hence the government initiative to roll out the UHC in bid to reduce their financial burden,” she said.

Out of 71, four patients are not covered and the CS as a gesture for Christmas season of sharing promised to pay for their medical cover.

Cancer has become a tormentor disease in Kenya living a trail of deaths for ‘have and have not’s’ killing at least 91 lives every day.

According the National Cancer Institute (NCI) about 32,987 Kenyans died of cancer related conditions annually with 133 cases of diagnosis daily translating to 47,887 cases annually.

To fight the cancer scourge, Kariuki said the government has put up 10 chemotherapy centres across the country, cancer centre of excellence including Moi Teaching and referral KNH and KU hospital. 

Other measures include four radiotherapy centres and the Sh 63 billion Medical Supplies Equipment.

The CS was attending the end year Christmas party with children cancer patients where she donated a television set and a fridge to store drugs at the centre.

Meanwhile, Kariuki pointed out that the issue of disease burden in the country is worrying where 80 percent is as a result of preventable measures.