The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
NAIROBI, KENYA: Deputy President William Ruto has said plans are underway to expand access to cancer diagnosis and treatment services through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) across the country.
Mr Ruto said cancer is among major ailments that has claimed many lives in the country, saying it was the reason why in the Jubilee manifesto, health was among the first four critical issues that will be tackled in the next five years.
He said the Government would soon come up with legislation in the National Assembly and the Senate to expand NHIF services for cancer patients among other major ailments.
He said the move was aimed at enhancing cancer diagnosis and treatment at the county level.
The Deputy President said treatment of cancer was still a major challenge in the country that needed concerted efforts to contain it.
“To minimise cases of cancer, we have to make sure that the necessary health infrastructure is put in place to contain increasing cases of the disease in the country,” said Ruto.
“This is why we intend to come up with legislation in Parliament to cater for people in dire need of health services including cancer through NHIF,” added Ruto.
The Deputy President said the Government was putting in place mechanisms to increase the number of people covered by NHIF from the current 6.7million to 30 million in the next five years.
Speaking during the requiem mass of the late Kitui West MP Francis Nyenze at the Christ Is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) in Karen, Nairobi, on Friday; Mr Ruto said the Government would work towards the attainment of the universal health coverage.
join