CS Mailu admits country faced with cancer treatment crisis

CS Mailu admits country faced with cancer treatment crisis

Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu has today (Tuesday) admitted that there is a crisis in the treatment of cancer in the country due to congestion at the Kenyatta National Hospital.

Speaking during the Health Summit at State House, Mailu however said that plans are underway to set up cancer treatment centers in all the counties in a bid to ease the burden from KNH.

Following an expose by Citizen TV last night showing cancer patients who have to spend nights on the floor or out in the cold as they await treatment, Mailu directed that no cancer patient should be chased away from KNH which is the only public hospital that handles cancer treatment in the country.

The half day summit that brought together representatives from the Health Ministry, medical doctors, governors, the media and the private sector, among others, discussed gains and misses made in the health sector over the last three years.

Medics also raised concern about their working conditions, urging county governments to address issues of under-staffing, this even as members of the public shared stories of medical negligence as well as success stories from those who had been able to access affordable treatment.

On the other hand, Mailu said Kenyans are healthier since the Jubilee Government took over three years ago, saying they can easily access quality healthcare.

The CS further revealed that the life expectancy of Kenyans has gone up, to an average of 63.8 for both men and women.

Mailu also pointed out that infant death had dropped while over 90 percent of patients suffering from tuberculosis were now receiving treatment.

Stakeholders in the sector were hard-pressed to explain their progress as they work towards making the sector more efficient in providing services to Kenyans.

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cancer KNH state house health summit

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