Plans by the government to make access to healthcare treatment for cancer patients cheaper have begun in earnest after Members of Parliament (MPs) in the National Assembly approved a Bill that seeks to reduce the burden of the disease on families.
The National Assembly, on Wednesday, March 20, passed the Cancer Prevention and Control Bill of 2022 sponsored by Central Imenti MP Rahim Dawood, that will amend the Cancer Prevention and Control Act, No. 15 of 2012.
Speaking on the Bill, vice-chairperson departmental committee on health, Patrick Munene said it is a critical moment for Kenya in the fight against cancer.
He added that by prioritizing the training of oncologists and making treatment more accessible, especially by including cancer treatment as part of the provision of primary healthcare and incorporate the use of e-health and telemedicine, citizens are assured of better health outcomes.
Clause 3 of the Bill seeks to expand the mandate of the National Cancer Institute. The NCI will now be tasked with promoting the use of e-health and telemedicine in cancer management.
While contributing to the debate, deputy speaker of the House, Gladys Boss said that there is a link between cancer and pesticides.
She noted that in 2019 she brought a petition calling for the banning the use of 262 pesticides identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as carcinogenic.
“If we are truly committed, the first step is to stop the use of these pesticides with harmful chemicals products. These chemicals are supposed to be removed from the market. Since 2019, only seven of these products have been removed from the market,” the deputy speaker said.
Other members also expressed concern over the role of the Pesticide Control Board and the government in protecting Kenyans from harmful products.
The passage of the Bill further mandates the NIC to collaborate with the national government, universities, colleges and the private sector to promote the training of oncology professionals. The Bill has been transmitted to the Senate for consideration.
