Laikipia MP proposes free cancer treatment in Kenya

Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru now wants cancer patients in Kenya to receive free treatment.

The MP in a draft bill in Parliament, has proposed the establishment of a cancer fund that will draw its cash from tax payers money, grants and donations for treatment of cancer patients.

The fund will have a board composed of a Chairperson appointed by Health CS, Health and Treasury PSs and appointees from a cancer organisation, universities teaching medicine, national council for science and technology and the attorney general

To qualify for free treatment catered for by the proposed fund, one will have to apply to the board and the board shall consider the individual circumstances including their personal and financial status.

Also in consideration will be the health and the general well-being of the individual and the available fund, upon this assessment the board will determine whether to grant one free cancer treatment

All Kenyans and those contributing to the NHIF if scheme qualify for the free treatment.

The fund is to draw its finances from treasury through parliament but also open to receive donor funding, gifts and grants with a further proposal of public private partnership to raise money to the fund.

The Laikipia Woman Rep maintains that cancer should be declared a national disaster in the country given the toll it takes on families whose finances it depletes.

Waruguru also asking for zero taxes on cancer drugs that are quite expensive and also for acceptance of cancer generic drugs to alleviate the medical bill burden on cancer patients.

Kenya is grappling with the cancer scourge that has run down families bank accounts with others seeking treatment in other countries with India becoming the most toured nation by those in search of cancer treatment.