Cancer drugs seized in tax row

Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia. PHOTO|FILE

What you need to know:

  • Nairobi Hospital chief executive Cleopa Mailu Wednesday said they were donated by the pharmaceutical company, Norvatis, through the US-based Max Foundation.
  • Lukemia and stomach cancer patients have been getting the costly drugs through the US-based foundation. The drugs are delivered quarterly to the Nairobi Hospital.

The lives of about 500 patients suffering from blood and stomach cancers hangs in the balance after drugs for their treatment was seized by the taxman.

The taxman requires Sh5.6 million railways levy for the donated drugs worth Sh375 million.

Kenya Revenue Authority officials seized the drugs at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in July.

Nairobi Hospital chief executive Cleopa Mailu Wednesday said they were donated by the pharmaceutical company, Norvatis, through the US-based Max Foundation.

“Unless they are given a duty waiver they are going to be destroyed on September 15,” Mr Mailu said.

The drugs are given free of charge by the Glivec International Patient Assistance Programme in Kenya and other low and middle-income countries and begun in 2005 at the Nairobi Hospital.

Lukemia and stomach cancer patients have been getting the costly drugs through the US-based foundation. The drugs are delivered quarterly to the Nairobi Hospital.

“Most patients are from Nairobi, Aga Khan and Kenyatta National hospitals. They pick up the drugs every Saturday at the Nairobi Hospital

“The cost of treating each of the patients would cost between Sh2,000 to Sh4,000 per patient per month,” Prof Othieno-Abinya said, adding: “This requires urgent action.”

Dr Mailu said the Ministry of Health should lobby the Treasury for the duty waiver so that KRA can clear the drugs. “The continued dilly-dallying on the issue will result in the patients missing the crucial treatment resulting in adverse consequences...”

Efforts to contact Health ministry chief secretary James Macharia were futile as his mobile phone remained unanswered.