New machines set to ease cancer scan delays in western Kenya

Health CS Aden Duale, Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o among other officials during the launch of a CT scanner and mammogram at JOOTRH under NESP. [Nanjinia Wamuswa, Standard]

Patients with cancer and accidents in western Kenya are set to receive faster diagnoses after Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu installed a 128-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner and a digital mammogram machine under the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP).

Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale launched the machines under NESP, which aims to improve diagnosis and healthcare delivery in county hospitals.

The machines are set to help patients who have faced months-long delays, forcing some to travel to Nairobi or pay private hospitals for scans.

"Many families have been pushed into poverty because they must sell property or fundraise to get a scan in Nairobi," explained Duale.

Kisumu Governor Anyang'' Nyong'o noted JOOTRH has often referred patients outside the region because of limited equipment, delaying treatment for cancer and accident victims.

"We have patients who have waited for months to get a scan, and this leads to deaths that could have been prevented," observed Nyong'o.

The Ministry of Health partnered with Sunview Medipro International, a medical equipment supplier under NESP, to deliver the machines.

Sunview Medipro International Chief Executive Officer Sirat Amin argued the machines would reduce congestion at JOOTRH's imaging units and help doctors make faster diagnoses.

"We hope to see reduced queues and faster interventions for cancer patients, as early diagnosis is key," stated Amin.

The machines are part of Kenya's push to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with the government focusing on providing essential diagnostic services in public hospitals across the counties.