President Uhuru Launches New Cancer Center at Kenyatta National Hospital

A new cancer treatment center has been opened at Kenya's largest health facility, Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.

The new center, launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday will increase the number of cancer patients attended at the facility on a daily basis from 120 to 190.

The center will also reduce the treatment waiting time for patients, from  earlier three months to one month.

The Head of State launched newly installed cancer treatment machines, which comprise a Bhabhatron II cancer therapy machine and a digital radiotherapy simulator. A state of the art Linear Accelerator cancer treatment machine worth Sh300 million was also unveiled.

“The equipment we have launched today (Thursday) further reaffirms the government’s commitment in the fight against cancer,” said the President.

The head of state thanked the government of India for donating some of the equipment.

India High Commissioner to Kenya Suchitra Durai speaking during the launch said donation of the equipment was part of bilateral agreements reached when India Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the country last year.

President Kenyatta pledged that his government will continue to fund the expansion of hospitals to improve handling of cancer related cases.

“My government will expand cancer treatment services by upgrading KNH and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret, and establishing six new cancer treatment centres in strategic locations across the country.

“This will improve access to treatment and enhance patient health outcomes,” he said when he addressed KNH staff.

The President further appealed o  striking nurses in county hospitals to resume work as talks continue.