Why cancer lobbyists are uneasy with ongoing doctors' strike

Cancer lobbyists now want the biting doctors’ strike resolved with immediate effect to save patients from untold suffering.

This is even as the doctors’ strike which started on Thursday last week entered its seventh day.

The Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations and Cancer Survivors Association of Kenya in a statement have raised concern that the ongoing doctors' strike has led to significant delays in diagnosing new cancer cases and accessing treatment for cancer patients and survivors in Kenya.

“The disruption of essential healthcare services due to the strike poses a grave threat to the lives of cancer survivors, leaving them vulnerable and uncertain about their future,” KENCO executive director Phoebe Ongadi said.

They have noted that early diagnosis is crucial for effective cancer management, and delays can allow the disease to advance to more complicated stages, impacting treatment effectiveness and worsening patient prognosis.

They have warned that as the disease advances due to unchecked cell multiplication, it leads to a drastic downturn in patient outcomes, including significantly lower chances of successful treatment and, most critically, reduced survival rates.

According to the lobbyists, oncologists play a critical role in the cancer care continuum.

They have noted that while oncology nurses are invaluable in patient care, their capabilities do not cover the specialized tasks such as diagnosing and formulating treatment plans done exclusively by oncologists.

This, they said, highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing strike.

“Furthermore, the postponement and cancellation of follow-up appointments and treatment interventions have left many cancer survivors without access to essential care, potentially compromising their health and survival,” Ongadi said.

The lobbyists further raised concern that the uncertainty surrounding the availability of healthcare services during the strike exacerbates the emotional and psychological distress experienced by cancer survivors.

“The fear of disease recurrence, coupled with the lack of access to medical care, weighs heavily on the minds of survivors and their families, leading to increased anxiety, stress, and mental health challenges,” CSAK chairperson Wanjiru Githuka said.

As a long-term solution to the strike, the lobbyists want the government to address the systemic issues affecting the health sector in the country.

These, they say, include inadequate staffing, underfunding of healthcare facilities and inefficiencies in service delivery.

They said addressing the issues above will play a key role in preventing similar crises from occurring in the future and ensure sustained access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans.