Patients to wait longer for subsidised cancer drugs

Cancer patients in Meru County in need of chemotherapy will have to wait longer to access cheaper drugs.

This is after the county procured the medicines at a cost of Sh2.3 million, which was higher than expected, meaning that the drugs cannot be sold to patients at a subsidised price.

The county government introduced chemotherapy at the Meru Referral Hospital last year to ease the burden of travelling to Nairobi for treatment.

However, sources told the Nation that the hospital cannot dispense the drugs due to the high procurement price, forcing patients to buy from chemists.

Other patients who were banking on the reduced-cost drugs have been forced to wait for lack of money.

County health executive William Muraah confirmed that they had purchased sufficient chemotherapy drugs from Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies last month.

MATTER BEING REVIEWED

Dr Muraah said the drugs were supplied at a higher price than expected and that the matter was being reviewed.

“We procured the drugs worth Sh2.3 million from Meds because Kemsa did not have the stock.

We have received half of our order and are expecting more supplies. Though the drugs are expensive, we are committed to bringing the service closer to the people,” he said.

The Health executive said they were addressing the difficulties to ensure patients start receiving chemotherapy at a subsidized rate.

“We have ensured that Kenyatta (National) Hospital oncologists come to Meru every month to see patients to cut on transport costs.

We are in talks with medical supplies companies to see how we can cut costs for patients,” he said.

SUBSIDISED TREATMENT

Meru Hospice coordinator Gladys Mucee said a dose of chemotherapy costs more than Sh15,000 at local chemists depending on the drug regime being administered.

“The government should look into ways of subsidising cancer treatment because very few people can afford drugs and other palliative care products,” Mrs Mucee said.

Ms Beatrice Kendi, a cancer survivor and cancer awareness volunteer, called on the government to waive treatment costs and intensify screening campaigns.

“A patient undergoing chemotherapy needs at least Sh15,000 every month until the treatment is over.

Many families have been impoverished due to treatment costs. If cancer awareness campaigns are intensified, screening, testing and treatment subsidized, we can save many lives,” Ms Kendi said.

Under new rebates announced recently, the National Health Insurance Fund, under specialised radiological and diagnostic services, will pay Sh25,000 per session for cancer patients who will access the services in any accredited hospital.