The Social Health Authority (SHA) will meet representatives of the Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) next week to discuss ways to improve cancer care and patient support under the new health insurance scheme.
This comes in the wake of protests by cancer patients and caregivers over the cancer package under SHA.
The patients, at different stages of treatment, held protests to bring attention to the silent pain they face and the financial struggles they endure.
The Authority in a statement released on Thursday said it had noted concerns raised by patients and caregivers over current tariffs.
It assured Kenyans that no one would be denied access to lifesaving care due to financial hardship.
SHA said the engagement will focus on strengthening oncology benefits and addressing concerns raised by cancer patients and advocates over treatment costs and coverage limits.
“Cancer care is a top key priority for SHA, and we recognise the physical, emotional, and financial challenges faced by patients and their families,” the statement read.
“Our focus is to ensure that Kenyans receive the care they need without undue financial hardship.”
The Authority said it had received KENCO’s memorandum and welcomed it as a constructive contribution to ongoing health reforms.
SHA affirmed that while benefit packages and tariffs are guided by clinical, financial, and demographic data, associations like KENCO play a vital role in shaping policy through dialogue.
The planned meeting is part of efforts to strengthen partnerships between the government, healthcare providers, and patient groups in improving service delivery.
The Authority also reiterated its commitment to transparency and collaboration in developing a sustainable, equitable cancer care system.
The Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP), recently gazetted, is currently reviewing the oncology package with the aim of increasing the cancer treatment limit to ensure broader coverage.
According to SHA, the oncology package was raised in April from Sh400,000 to Sh550,000 and has been negotiating with hospitals and pharmaceutical firms to make treatment more affordable.
Among the notable milestones, SHA cited a partnership with Roche that reduced the price of Herceptin from Sh120,000 to Sh40,000 for HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
“The Government's broader objective is to reduce the cost of oncology care,” the statement added.
SHA said it remains open to feedback and will continue engaging stakeholders to improve patient outcomes.
“We are committed to continuous improvement to ensure that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing lifesaving care,” it said.
