Cancer patients protest outside SHA headquarters over inadequate cover

Cancer patients on Tuesday staged a protest outside the Social Health Authority (SHA) headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, demanding an increase in insurance coverage for treatment.

The protesters accused the government of turning a blind eye to their struggles, arguing that the current allocation by SHA falls far short of the actual cost of managing the disease.

At present, SHA provides Ksh.400,000 per patient annually for cancer treatment, a figure patients say is insufficient to meet the high cost of care.

The patients, many of whom are still undergoing medication, urged the government to strengthen health insurance coverage for cancer care, saying the current allocation does not reflect the true cost of managing the disease.

“We are very sad because some patients are abandoning medication midway. We are burying patients and families are selling their properties to cover medical costs,” said cancer survivor Robert Marende.

“You start treatment and then it is stopped midway. When you go to the hospital, they tell you your card has been depleted,” said another cancer survivor, Wambui Gatiri.

They want the government to reform SHA and ensure it fully covers all essential cancer treatment services, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and medication.

“The cancer patients only have four asks — improve the benefit design to reflect the actual cost of cancer treatment. Is Ksh.400,000 really enough?” posed one of the protesters.

According to the patients, the current Ksh.550,000 allocated for the entire course of treatment is insufficient given the high cost of comprehensive cancer care.

Currently, SHA provides a primary benefit of Ksh.400,000 per patient annually for cancer treatment, covering both diagnostic tests and therapy.

“I underwent tests and six chemotherapy sessions, and I was told I would need 18 injections. SHA said it would only pay partially, so I have been fundraising to cover the rest. I haven’t even had my mastectomy because they say there’s no money,” said cancer survivor Agnes Waceke.

“My family is exhausted. Treating this cancer is too expensive; we are asking for an increase in the oncology package,” added Gatiri.

“This disease drains families financially. We have come to plead with the government because our families have given up. Even my husband left me because of this illness,” said Margaret Wanjiru.

Their petition, addressed to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, was received by a senior ministry official.

“All you are asking for here is clear. I will deliver this to the CS,” said James Ntabo, Secretary of Administration at the Ministry of Health.

The protesting patients, who continue to endure the demanding process of treatment, expressed hope that the government will respond swiftly to ease the heavy financial burden of battling cancer.