Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Sunday visited the Garissa Regional Cancer Centre, one of only three specialised cancer treatment facilities in Kenya, alongside centres in Mombasa and Nakuru.
The visit is part of government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure amid the rising burden of cancer in the country.
During the visit, the CS inspected the centre’s state-of-the-art medical equipment and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care.
The facility serves not only Garissa residents but also patients from neighboring counties including Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Kitui, Isiolo, Lamu, and even Somalia.
He later held a meeting with the centre’s medical staff to discuss operational challenges and explore solutions to improve cancer treatment delivery.
The Garissa Regional Cancer Centre attends to about 40 patients daily, with roughly 10 new cases registered each day.
Additionally, 90 percent of patients at the centre are enrolled under the Social Health Authority (SHA), which fully funds their cancer treatment locally and nationally.
The SHA’s expanded oncology package has significantly alleviated the financial burden on patients, reflecting a commitment to accessible cancer care.
Duale was joined by Dr. Joan-Paula Bor from the Ministry of Health National Cancer Control Program and Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane Muhumed.
