Cancer patients say SHIF service disruptions jeopardising their lives
They want authorities to to take immediate and decisive action to protect and ensure the continuity of cancer and NCD services

As the world commemorates Cancer Day, cancer patients across the country have complained about the lack of money to get the required treatment.
Speaking at a forum organised by the Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations in Nairobi, the patients say the system hitches at the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaced NHIF, have led to severe service disruptions, jeopardising the lives and well-being of thousands of Kenyans who depend on uninterrupted medical care.
The lobby’s chairman Evans Mapelu stressed the importance of placing individuals at the centre of cancer care and recognising that behind every diagnosis lies unique human stories.
“We urgently call on the government of Kenya and Social Health Authority to take immediate and decisive action to protect and ensure the continuity of cancer and NCD (Non-Communicable Disease) services,” he said.
Mapelu added that a more technical and practical solution is needed to address the challenges that arise in terms of seeking treatment. He says there should be operationalisation of the Social Health Authority (SHA), together with the Critical Illness Fund, to ensure people access services covered by the two funds.
In what they see as neglect of cancer patients, they also cited lack of drugs in the hospitals to help in their treatment.
The emotionally charged patients said they do not know what else to do because even the doctors, nurses and care givers have their hands tied.
They say the government and ministry of Health should give attention to the deadly disease and ensure there are enough drugs for the long queues of cancer patients who are struggling to make ends meet and fighting for their health and life in general.
They also cited stigmatisation, including being asked to repent for their sins, resulting in mental and psychological trauma.
Prisca Githuka, the chairlady of Cancer Survivors Association, said it is important to get checked in order to rule out cancer.
She added that breast cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, esophagus cancer, and colorectal cancer are some of the cancers with the highest number of fatalities in Kenya.
According to Githuka, cancer patients in the country are ready to seek medication, however the challenges they face in terms of accessing the drugs could diminish their motivation and zeal to live a healthy life once again.