The Social Health Authority (SHA) has enhanced its cancer treatment package, increasing the benefit limit from an initial KSh400,000 to KSh800,000, an official has said.
SHA Deputy Director of Registration Gilbert Osoro said the enhanced package was designed to provide patients with broader access to cancer diagnosis and treatment services.
Osoro said SHA began covering cancer treatment in October 2024, when the benefit limit was set at KSh400,000.
The limit was subsequently increased by KSh150,000 to KSh550,000 before being raised further to the current KSh800,000.
“This benefit has been enhanced from KSh400,000 to KSh550,000 and now to KSh800,000,” Osoro said.
He said the package covers a range of cancer treatment services, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and medication.
The cover also includes specialised diagnostic and treatment procedures, among them Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, which are used to assess whether and how far cancer has spread in the body.
Osoro said patients can also access specialised treatment such as brachytherapy under the enhanced package.
Brachytherapy involves placing a radiation source close to or inside the area being treated and is used in the management of certain cancers.
Access to specialised technology
Osoro also highlighted CyberKnife, a specialised technology used to treat some cancers.
He said the technology has been introduced at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital, expanding access to specialised cancer treatment in the country.
CyberKnife uses highly focused radiation to target tumours while seeking to minimise exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.
The enhanced SHA package comes as the Government seeks to expand access to healthcare and reduce the financial burden associated with treatment of serious illnesses.
Cancer treatment can require multiple interventions, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with some patients also requiring specialised scans and procedures during the course of treatment.
According to Osoro, the progressive increase in the cancer benefit limit reflects efforts to strengthen the package and provide patients with greater financial support when undergoing treatment.
The inclusion of diagnostic services and specialised procedures alongside conventional cancer treatments is expected to give patients access to a wider range of care under the national health insurance system.
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