The Social Health Authority (SHA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cancer care and expanding oncology benefits following a protest by cancer patients on Tuesday.
In a statement, SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi said the Authority had taken note of the concerns raised and is reviewing the oncology package to ensure access to affordable and quality healthcare for all cancer patients.
“Cancer care is a key priority for SHA. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges patients face, and our focus is to ensure Kenyans receive the care they need without undue financial hardship,” said Dr. Mwangangi.
The patients had decried the high cost of managing the disease and demanded that the Authority increase insurance coverage for cancer treatment. They argued that the current allocation of Ksh400,000 per patient annually is inadequate to meet the escalating cost of care.
However, Dr. Mwangangi noted that SHA had already increased the oncology package limit from Ksh400,000 to Ksh550,000 as part of efforts to ease the treatment burden.
She added that the recently gazetted Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP) is reviewing the oncology package to further expand coverage.
“The benefit package is not static. It is reviewed regularly, guided by data, clinical evidence, and patient feedback, to keep it responsive to evolving health needs,” she stated.
Dr. Mwangangi further welcomed a memorandum from the Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO), saying SHA has scheduled a meeting with its representatives early next week to discuss ways to improve cancer care and benefit packages.
To further reduce treatment costs, she revealed that SHA has partnered with pharmaceutical companies and health institutions, including a deal with Roche that cut the price of the breast cancer drug Herceptin from Ksh120,000 to Ksh40,000 for eligible HER2-positive patients.
“The Government’s broader objective is to make oncology care more affordable. SHA remains open to feedback and committed to ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing lifesaving treatment,” Dr. Mwangangi said.
