Thika Level 5 Hospital is enhancing its cancer treatment capabilities with the addition of a vital piece of equipment for safely preparing chemotherapy. The newly acquired biosafety cabinet, located in the diagnostic wing, will protect both healthcare workers and the environment from the dangers of chemotherapy drugs by minimizing exposure to toxic substances.
Dr. Patrick Nyaga, the hospital’s superintendent, highlighted that this advanced equipment will greatly improve the quality of cancer care and make treatment more accessible, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for chemotherapy.
Nyaga noted a rising number of cancer cases in Thika and nearby areas, with many people unaware of their conditions until it is too late. He emphasized that the new machine will facilitate timely treatment and potentially eliminate the need for patient referrals to Nairobi or even abroad.
The biosafety cabinet will also ensure the sterility of chemotherapy medications, enhancing both safety and treatment effectiveness. Nyaga called on the government to provide additional funding to further improve and equip the screening facility.
He encouraged local residents to utilize the new facility for regular cancer screenings, which are crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Then World Health Organization reported 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 cancer-related deaths in Kenya in 2022, with around 82,000 people currently living with the disease.
The Ministry of Health identifies breast, cervical, prostate, esophageal, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as the most common cancers in Kenya, representing about 48% of the national cancer burden. Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Kiambu, Meru, and Nyandarua counties report the highest cancer case numbers.
The Ministry of Health is prioritizing cancer diagnosis, care, and treatment to make it more affordable, and the Social Health Authority aims to alleviate the financial burden of cancer care through its new coverage scheme.
