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A medical worker prepares a machine in this file photo. The KU Hospital centre will be used for the early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of cancer. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital has signed a contract with General Electric Corporation Kenya to set up a Molecular Imaging Centre.
The facility will be the first publicly owned cancer centre in the country as well as the East and Central African region.
According to figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, cancer is the third leading cause of death in the country. Only pneumonia and malaria have higher death rates. An estimated 39,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, with over 27,000 deaths attributed to cancer every year.
A survey by the Nation Newsplex team showed that the most common cancers are those of the breast followed by cervical, prostate, oesophageal and stomach variations.
MAJOR MILESTONE
Speaking on the deal, the hospital’s board chair Prof Olive Mugenda described the beginning of the project as the culmination of a long-cherished dream.
“Today is one of the best days in my career. I have had the opportunity to witness the beginning of the implementation of an idea that we came up with during my time as the Kenyatta University vice chancellor,” said Prof Mugenda.
The centre marks a major milestone for the facility, which came into operation last year. Covering an area of 635 square metres, the centre consists of three floors and a bunker for the Cyclotron machine, which will be used for the early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of cancer.
“The center, which will be ready for use in nine months, will eliminate the need for Kenyans to travel to India or South Africa to access PET cans and other key machines to diagnose and treat cancer,” said the hospital in a statement.
100 PATIENTS
The centre will also be equipped with a coaxial tomology scan (CT-Scan) that is used to produce high-resolution images for advanced clinical assessment of medical conditions.
The whole project will include construction and furnishing of accommodation facilities that can host up to 100 patients or family members who will access services at the centre.
Prof Mugenda said the centre will be a boon for Kenyans seeking early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
“Due to inadequate diagnostic capacity, patients are currently being diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 cancer. This centre will ensure that they have early, accurate diagnosis and assessment,” she said.
Kenyatta University hospital signs deal for imaging centre