Thika Level Five Hospital is set to begin offering chemotherapy services following the acquisition of a chemotherapy biosafety cabinet, a crucial piece of equipment for safely preparing cancer treatment medications. The biosafety cabinet, now installed in the hospital’s cancer diagnostic wing, will protect healthcare workers and the environment from exposure to hazardous chemotherapy drugs by using advanced containment systems to minimize risks.
Patrick Nyaga, the hospital superintendent, emphasized that the new equipment would greatly improve cancer care at the facility, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for chemotherapy. This development will make cancer treatment more accessible and convenient for residents of Kiambu and neighboring counties.
“We have seen a rise in cancer cases in Thika and surrounding areas. Sadly, many people are either unaware of their condition or seek screening too late,” Nyaga said. “With this new machine, we can offer timely treatment, preventing the need to refer patients to Nairobi or even India for care."
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The chemotherapy biosafety cabinet will also ensure the sterility of medications, enhancing both the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. Nyaga urged the government to provide more funding to equip the hospital’s screening facility further, aiming to boost service delivery and help curb the spread of the disease, which has both health and economic impacts.
“I encourage all county residents to take advantage of this facility by participating in regular screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. Early detection allows medical professionals to intervene promptly, preventing these diseases from reaching life-threatening stages,” Nyaga added.
Cancer has become a major public health challenge in Kenya and across Africa. According to the World Health Organization, Kenya recorded 44,726 new cancer cases and 29,317 deaths in 2022, with about 82,000 people currently living with the disease. The Ministry of Health reports that breast, cervical, prostate, esophageal cancers, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma account for nearly 48% of the total cancer burden in the country.
Several counties in the Mt. Kenya region, including Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Kiambu, Meru, and Nyandarua, rank among the highest in cancer cases. The government is prioritizing cancer care and treatment, making it more affordable for families, and with the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA), Kenyans will soon benefit from reduced financial burdens associated with cancer treatment.
