- The technology conducts non-invasive treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumours and other conditions where radiation therapy is indicated.
- Its unique robotic design keeps the radiation on target even while the tumour moves.
Image: INTERNET
Cancer patients have a reason to smile after the government allocated Sh300 million for the procurement of a CyberKnife radiotherapy equipment.
A CyberKnife is used in the treatment of cancers like brain tumours, head and neck cancer, lung, breast, spinal, liver, pancreas and prostate cancers.
The machine verifies the exact tumour position then adjusts the robot to precisely target the tumour.
Health experts said the procurement of the equipment will go a long way in treating even the most complicated and advanced cancer cases in the country.
The procurement joins a list technology equipment in the treatment of cancer, a move expected to boost treatment outcomes and attract medical tourism in the region.
“Government has been progressively addressing the cost of healthcare in the country to expand access to quality and affordable healthcare services," Treasury CS Ukur Yatani said.
Olive Mugenda told the Star last week the machine has been ordered and is expected in the country in the next three months, making Kenya the second country after Egypt to own the machine.
Mugenda is the chairperson of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital board.
The hospital is currently hosting the Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre.
“A CyberKnife is also used for radiotherapy, but is very specialised and will be able to get to some organs which we are not able to get to with the other machines,” Mugenda said.
The technology conducts non-invasive treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumours and other conditions where radiation therapy is indicated.
Its unique robotic design keeps the radiation on target even while the tumour moves.
The equipment can be used as an alternative to surgery, or for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumours.
Cancer patients also have a reason to smile after Yatani on Thursday proposed that urine bags, breast implants and ileostomy bags (small intestine) for medical use will also be exempted from Value Added Tax.
Colostomy bags are mostly imported and sold in select pharmacies and cost between Sh800 and Sh1,400 for reusable bags. Disposable ones go for Sh100 per bag.
“Better health outcomes depend on the availability, accessibility and capacity of health workers to deliver quality services anchored on well-equipped and provisioned healthcare facilities,” Yatani said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)