There is new hope for Kenyan patients as Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) unveiled modern endoscopy equipment that will enhance the treatment of cancer and other ailments at a lower cost.
The Endoscopy Tower comes with precision diagnostic capabilities and treatment of internal organs for cancer and ulcers, among other illnesses at a highly discounted charge.
It cuts the cost of treatment significantly from about Sh 850,000 which is charged in private hospitals to Sh 100,000 which can be covered by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
While receiving the equipment, KUTRRH Board Chairperson Prof Olive Mugenda said it is the first of its kind in the country’s public hospitals and was acquired through the Ministry of Health at a cost of Sh 60 million.
She said NHIF card holders will benefit from the machine which is the first to be installed in a public health facility.
Prof Mugenda noted that Kenyan patients have been facing an uphill task in accessing treatment due to the high cost adding that the majority have been seeking the services abroad.
“This state-of-the-art equipment, made possible through collaboration with our valued partners, Fuji and Science Scope, will enable us to offer critical procedures previously limited in availability and very costly,” said Prof Mugenda.
The equipment can perform upper endoscopy (OGD), colonoscopy, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and treat at the same time.
“This milestone is a significant step towards our mission of enhancing the health and well-being of Kenyans and global citizens through the provision of patient-centred and evidence-based healthcare,” she noted.
While noting that KUTRRH is the only public hospital with the equipment in the country, Prof Mugenda said that the hospital doors are open to members of the public promising that they will access treatment services at low costs.
“KUTRRH is proud to introduce this transformative addition to our medical capabilities – an advanced endoscopy tower which is a groundbreaking advancement in healthcare,” Prof Mugenda said, adding that this is a leap towards realizing universal healthcare.
By Kamau Njoroge
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