Nakuru County has acquired its second Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine that is expected to be installed and commissioned in the next few weeks.
Once operational, the machine will significantly boost the Nakuru County and Referral hospital’s capacity to handle cancer cases at the facility.
County Director for Medical Services Dr Daniel Wainaina confirmed that the second Linear Accelerator (LINAC) machine is already in place and is awaiting a few final accessories, commissioning, and official handover.
Dr Wainaina noted that currently, the Regional Cancer Centre attends to over 50 cancer patients daily, but the number is expected to rise with the commissioning of the second LINAC machine.
“We expect the number of patients undergoing radiotherapy to double, therefore reducing waiting times and ultimately improving overall patient outcomes,” Dr Wainaina indicated.
Dr Wainaina was speaking at the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital (NCTRH) during a routine board meeting chaired by Bishop Philip Nderitu. The board had an opportunity to visit the Regional Cancer Centre to inspect the ongoing installation of the second radiotherapy bunker.
LINAC is a machine used in radiation therapy to treat cancer by delivering high-energy X-rays or electrons to a patient’s tumour. It works by accelerating electrons to a high speed and then using them to produce radiation that targets and destroys cancerous cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
The centre also boasts a brachytherapy unit for the treatment of cervical, prostate, and other types of cancer.
Brachytherapy devices are medical tools that deliver radiation therapy internally, directly to or near a tumour, to treat cancer. These devices, which can be radioactive seeds, pellets, wires, or other shapes, are placed inside the body, either temporarily or permanently, to target cancer cells with high doses of radiation while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Separately, the board also received a batch of refilled fire extinguisher cylinders that were donated by board member Mr Shaileshkumar Seth.
Mr Seth pledged further support in fire safety training and drills for staff, thereby reinforcing the institution’s commitment to safety and preparedness.
By Jane Ngugi
