Civil society petitions gov’t to reinstate full access to cancer services through SHA

They have expressed deep concern over the challenges cancer patients are facing due to the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the new Social Health Authority (SHA).

In a petition addressed to various health bodies, including the Ministry of Health and the National Assembly Health Committee, the organizations emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent disruptions in cancer care. 

They highlighted that cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, with 44,700 new cases and 29,300 deaths reported annually, according to Globocan 2022. 

Many of these patients rely on timely and consistent access to life saving treatments, which has been jeopardized by the recent shift to SHA.

The petitioners demand full reinstatement of comprehensive cancer services across all facilities, ensuring no patient is denied care, turned away, or required to pay cash.

They also want SHA to immediately resume funding overseas cancer treatment for patients who cannot access specialized care locally.

In addition, the civil society has called for government to address system failures that hamper patient registration and ensure efficient access to care.

The bodies also want the government to work on timely settlement of outstanding NHIF bills to restore confidence of facilities offering care to cancer patients. 

The petitioners emphasize that the current disruptions in cancer care are endangering the lives of patients across the country. 

The Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations and the Cancer Survivors Association of Kenya have signed the petition, urging immediate government action to address these pressing issues.