President Uhuru Kenyatta has unveiled East Africa’s first public Integrated Molecular Imaging Centre (IMIC) at the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital (KUTTRH).
The ultra-modern IMIC is the first of its kind in Kenya and the region, and was developed as part of Government efforts to expand access to cancer treatment in the country.
Speaking during the ceremony, Kenyatta said that cancer treatment has been an emotional and physical burden in the country, which has forced many patients to seek treatment abroad.
“The government has launched several initiatives specifically addressing cancer care to reduce the burden by investing and equipping hospitals to ensure patients seek treatment at home,” he said.
He noted that the government has also invested in the construction of more health facilities to ensure that Kenyans access quality and affordable healthcare in the country.
Additionally, he noted that the Ministry of Health has also proposed a nationwide lifestyle modification campaign.
“To fortify this intervention, we also rolled out breast awareness campaign,” he said.
The Head of State said the government has established ten fully functional chemotherapy centres in counties to ensure treatment is available in the counties.
“We have also developed and disseminated the national cancer screening guidelines to counties and we continue encourage screening and provide annual cervical screening services. I urge all eligible women to take advantage of the health care facilities,” he said.
He lauded the KUTTRH for the immense contribution to his administration’s commitment to the transformation the health delivery system.
The Hospitality Centre has a capacity to host up to 100 patients and their families during their stay at the Hospital.
The ultra-modern facility was developed as part of the Universal Health Coverage pillar of the government’s Big 4 Agenda, and is equipped will state-of-the-art equipment to offer comprehensive cancer care.
The Head of State was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, Governors James Nyoro and Prof Anyang Nyong’o, Chairperson of the Board if Directors of Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital Prof Olive Mugenda among others.