This archive report was first published on 31 August 2019.
On Thursday, Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua launched a Sh50 million Cancer Care and Research Centre, marking a significant step towards making cancer treatment accessible to all residents.
Located at the Machakos Level 5 Referral Hospital, the centre aims to provide cancer treatment at affordable prices, with Governor Mutua emphasizing that treatment should not be a preserve of the rich.
"We want to ensure that cancer treatment is for all of us, not just a few. Treatment for cancer must not be a preserve for the rich in society. Every resident of Machakos no matter how poor will be entitled to equivalent treatment as the rich who own bungalows and top of the range vehicles," said Governor Mutua.
Residents registered under the Universal Health Coverage program will receive free treatment, while those from Makueni and Kitui will be offered services at special rates. The centre will offer cancer screening, diagnosis, counseling, chemotherapy treatment, and management.
Going forward, Governor Mutua's administration plans to set aside Sh300 million in the next budget for the purchase of more equipment for the cancer facility, with the goal of establishing several diagnostic and treatment centres across the county within the next three years.
