The government’s medical equipment programme has equipped 84 public hospitals with mammography machines for breast cancer screening.
Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga said there was need to ensure optimal utilization of the equipment through effective referral and follow-up systems.
Dr. Oluga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening cancer care in Kenya, saying the health system must prioritize improved patient experience and better treatment outcomes.
The PS was speaking during the 2nd Artificial Intelligence in Health Workshop held at Kenyatta National Hospital to mark World Cancer Day.
He emphasized that combating cancer necessitates a people-centred strategy backed by innovation, research, training, and improved clinical pathways.
“We have been given a duty to make the experiences of our patients better and to improve outcomes,” he said.
Dr. Oluga said World Cancer Day provides an opportunity to renew national focus on cancer prevention, early detection and improved care, in addition to remembering lives lost to the disease.
The PS noted that cancer remains a major global health challenge, saying Kenya is experiencing a rising burden due to increased life expectancy and the shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases.
He expressed concern over late diagnosis, stating that many patients take up to five months to receive a confirmed diagnosis.
Dr. Oluga attributed this to cancer symptoms that often resemble other illnesses and missed opportunities for early detection at frontline health facilities.
“From every single dispensary, any health professional engaging with a patient must maintain a high index of suspicion,” he said, adding, “You cannot have a high index of suspicion without empathy.”
The PS further said early detection must be supported by patient-centre care and empathy to enable thorough clinical assessment.
On cervical cancer, Dr. Oluga said it remains the second most common cancer in Kenya, with many women still seeking treatment at advanced stages.
He warned that delayed care increases treatment costs and places pressure on referral facilities including KNH.
The PS called for strengthened national efforts to improve prevention, early detection and timely treatment, saying improved service delivery across all levels of the health system is key to reducing the cancer burden.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
