Thika Level Five Hospital is now offering chemotherapy services, thanks to a newly acquired chemotherapy biosafety cabinet. This advanced equipment is essential for the safe preparation of cancer treatment medications, ensuring both patient and healthcare worker safety.
Installed in the hospital’s cancer diagnostic wing, the biosafety cabinet uses state-of-the-art containment systems to minimize exposure to hazardous chemotherapy drugs. This installation marks a significant improvement in the hospital’s capacity to treat cancer effectively and safely.
Patrick Nyaga, the superintendent of Thika Level Five Hospital, highlighted the positive impact of this new equipment. He stated that the cabinet will greatly enhance cancer care at the facility, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment. This development is particularly beneficial for residents of Kiambu and neighboring counties, making cancer treatment more accessible and convenient.
“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 explained. “With this new machine, we can offer timely treatment, preventing the need to refer patients to Nairobi or even India for care.”
The chemotherapy biosafety cabinet also ensures the sterility of medications, which enhances both the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. Nyaga called on the government to provide additional funding to further equip the hospital’s screening facilities. This support aims to boost service delivery and help curb the spread of cancer, which poses significant health and economic challenges.
“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 remains a major public health issue 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 approximately 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.
Counties in the Mt. Kenya region, including Nyeri, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Kiambu, Meru, and Nyandarua, are among those with the highest cancer rates. In response, the government is prioritizing cancer care and treatment, making it more affordable for families. With the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA), Kenyans will soon benefit from reduced financial burdens associated with cancer treatment, ensuring better health outcomes for those affected.
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