SHA CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi. /FILE
The Social Health Authority has unveiled a new comprehensive cancer cover that promises to ease the financial burden of thousands of Kenyans battling the disease.
The package guarantees every Kenyan access to quality cancer care without financial strain.
Under the plan, each patient will receive up to Sh400,000 annually for treatment, with an additional Sh150,000 set aside for serious or advanced cases.
SHA disclosed that plans are underway to increase the annual limit to Sh1 million.
The development comes as good news to thousands of cancer patients who have, in recent days, complained of limited cancer cover under SHA.
The new package is designed to provide a full spectrum of services — from diagnosis to advanced treatment and palliative care.
It includes tests such as biopsies, blood work, MRI, CT scans, PET scans, and bone scans.
Patients will also benefit from coverage for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and palliative care.
According to SHA, surgeries such as mastectomy for breast cancer and prostate operations will be fully covered under the scheme.
Medical imaging services, including MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds and mammograms, will be available up to two sessions per year per household.
Other benefits include laboratory tests for blood, liver, and kidney function, as well as coverage for blood transfusions, specialised medical products and essential supplies like chemotherapy pumps and stoma appliances.
SHA will also cater for hospital admissions, including up to Sh28,000 per ICU day for 12 days per admission.
"In short, SHA cancer cover makes treatment affordable, complete and stress-free for every Kenyan facing cancer," SHA said.
To access the service, patients will be required to visit a primary health facility for initial assessment and referral to a higher-level hospital.
Only SHA-accredited hospitals and clinics will provide care under this package.
In response to public outcry over low tariffs for cancer, SHA chief executive officer, Dr Mercy Mwangangi, said the move reflects the authority’s commitment to addressing patient feedback and improving access to critical care.
“The Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP) continuously review and advises on the scope of health benefits. The Panel is currently reviewing the oncology package to increase the limit for cancer treatment benefits to ensure more comprehensive coverage.”
She empathised with patients and families affected by cancer and added that SHA is working closely with hospitals, professional associations and pharmaceutical manufacturers to lower the cost of cancer treatment.
“This includes a strategic partnership with pharmaceutical companies like Roche, who agreed to lower the price of Herceptin from Sh120,000 to Sh40,000, ensuring a more affordable treatment option for eligible HER2-positive breast cancer patients,” she said.
