[PHOTOS] Ruto holds talks on healthcare with Argentina ambassador Gabriela

President William Ruto on Wednesday held talks with Argentina's ambassador to Kenya, Gabriela Martinic, at State House, Kenya.

Ruto said Kenya is keen to partner with Argentina in the healthcare sector, specifically in cancer treatment.

“We acknowledge the strides Argentina has made in the field and are exploring ways to deepen engagements to save lives,” he said.

The meeting took place days after the cancer awareness month, October.

Cancer has in the past made headlines as it was among the most expensive disease to treat confining many Kenyans into poverty.

However, cancer patients who exhaust the limit of their benefits will now be able to continue receiving medical treatment but in public hospitals for free.

Only beneficiaries suffering from chronic illnesses without arrears in their contributions will have access to this benefit.

The new regulations published by the National Health Insurance Fund if approved by Parliament will guarantee continuum care for patients with chronic illness.

“One million Kenyans end up in poverty every year due to catastrophic health spending,” NHIF CEO Peter Kamunyo said.

Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that about 49,000 Kenyans are diagnosed with various cancers every year, about 3,500 of them being prostate cancer, 

NHIF pays a maximum Sh600,000 for the treatment of cancer in a year.