Health Cabinet Secretary on Sunday commissioned the first-ever 256-slice CT scanner at Nairobi hospital.
Duale described it as a diagnostic tool expected to revolutionise and improve health care.
‘’I commissioned East Africa's first 256-slice CT scanner, a cutting-edge diagnostic tool expected to significantly improve clinical outcomes and revolutionise imaging in the region, ‘’Duale said
‘’This moment signifies more than technological progress; it reflects our collective determination to revolutionise diagnostic medicine and improve health outcomes for all Kenyans.”
256-Slice CT is one of the latest technological advancements in the field of medical diagnosis.
It is an innovative non-invasive imaging technique that is specifically used for all kinds of heart diseases and disorders, to obtain a complete 3-Dimensional visual representation of the heart and other organs, in less than 5 seconds.
This technology comes in especially handy for those who face difficulty in holding their breath and can be used to obtain cross-sectional images of internal organs horizontally and vertically, from multiple angles and dimensions.
The data acquisition and processing in this machine are four times faster than conventional machines, enabling us to give you the best possible diagnosis in the shortest possible scanning time.
Duale also noted that the scanner will elevate care across specialities like cardiology and will help save lives by ensuring patients receive the best diagnostics at the right time.
“With its capacity for high-speed, low-dose, and ultra-precise imaging, this machine will elevate care across specialities: cardiology, paediatrics, trauma, oncology, neurology, and orthopaedics. It will help save lives by ensuring that patients receive the right diagnosis, at the right time, using the best available technology.”
Alongside the commissioning, Duale also presided over the signing of a Collaboration Framework between the Ministry of Health, through the Social Health Authority (SHA), and The Nairobi Hospital, marking a major step in expanding access to specialised healthcare for SHA beneficiaries.
Duale also noted that through this partnership, patients will receive therapy and CT planning at no cost.
‘’Receive advanced oncology and renal care, including intra-cavitary brachytherapy, radioiodine therapy and CT planning, at no out-of-pocket cost, with each SHA member entitled to a care package of up to Sh550,000, ‘’he said
‘’Access to comprehensive oncology services, including cancer screening, diagnostic tests and treatment such as brachytherapy (a form of internal radiation therapy) and radiotherapy, ‘’
In addition, eligible SHA patients will benefit from full renal hemodialysis and kidney transplant services.
According to Duale, all services provided under this framework will attract no additional out-of-pocket top-up by patients, ensuring financial protection for those most in need
This collaboration eases the financial burden of chronic illnesses on Kenyan families and drives our broader agenda toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
