Breast cancer patients in Kenya are set to benefit from a major cost reduction in treatment, with sessions expected to drop from Sh120,000 to Sh40,000.
This is after the Ministry of Health and Roche Pharmaceuticals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to make breast cancer treatment affordable and accessible.
The partnership is aimed at expanding access to life-saving cancer treatment at an affordable and acceptable cost.
Under the deal, the maximum retail price per treatment will be Sh40,000, with no co-payment required from patients registered with the Social Health Authority.
This will significantly reduce the cost of cancer drugs for eligible patients diagnosed with breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.
Speaking during the event, the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasised the government’s goal in realising the Universal Health Coverage through partnering with eligible institutions.
“This collaboration is designed to enhance access to essential medicines and diagnostics for patients, strengthen capacity-building through healthcare worker training in breast and cervical cancer management as well as improve screening and early detection, ensuring timely interventions for better health outcomes,” Duale said.
He said previous arrangements were limited to public facilities, adding that the new arrangement extends to private and faith-based facilities, which are accredited by SHA.
“This new arrangement expands coverage to all SHA contracted
facilities, including private, faith-based, and public health facilities, ensuring equitable
healthcare access for all,” the CS said.
Roche East Africa General Manager Jacqueline Wambua said that their mission is to reduce or eliminate the statistics of losing 17 women to breast and cervical cancer daily.
She said socio-economic reasons leave behind far-reaching impacts in families and communities.
“Together, we are working to change the narrative through
prevention, early detection, and through equitable access to affordable, available
global standard of Care for HER 2+ve Breast Cancer patients,” Wambua said.
