The new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), touted as a revolutionary healthcare solution for Kenyans, faces a crucial question: will it fully cover the treatment costs for cancer patients?

Experts from the health sector within the Non-Governnmental Organisation (NGO)'s sound alarm bells, urging clarity and comprehensive coverage before public contributions begin.

Concerns stem from the yet-to-be-defined "comprehensive care" for cancer patients within the SHIF framework.

Pharma East Africa General Manager, Jacqueline Wambua, emphasizes, "The committee…should come up with an elaborate strategy that will identify what the cost of treatment for Cancer patients will be."

This echoes the sentiment of Dr. Ida Mbuthia, Healthcare Access Lead, who highlights the lack of concrete action regarding the crucial HPV self-testing kit for early cervical cancer detection.

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The opacity surrounding cancer treatment costs within SHIF raises anxieties. 

"The answer lies in getting to know what the cost of treatment will be before you tell the citizens to make their monthly contributions," asserts Wambua.

Until this critical question is answered, the "comprehensive care" promised by SHIF remains shrouded in uncertainty.

Adding to the concerns, Dr. Allan Pamba, Vice President-Africa for Roche Diagnostics, points out the immense burden on the sector, stating, "We carry a quarter of the disease health burden…with one per cent of the global health budget."

This stark reality necessitates prudent investment in addressing these crises, especially for cancer care.

The lack of clarity on cancer treatment costs within SHIF throws a shadow on its effectiveness.

Experts urge transparency and a comprehensive plan before public contributions begin.

Only then can SHIF truly deliver on its promise of accessible healthcare for all, including those battling life-threatening illnesses like cancer.

While Kenya gears up for its new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), a cloud of uncertainty hangs over its ability to fully cover the treatment costs across a broad spectrum of patients.