SHA begins review of cancer benefit package after patients’ protest
SHA also announced plans to meet representatives from the Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations (KENCO) next week to explore ways of improving support for patients and incorporating feedback into the review.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has initiated a review of its cancer care benefit in response to mounting pressure from patients and advocacy groups calling for wider and more affordable coverage.
The move comes after dozens of cancer patients staged protests outside SHA offices on October 7, demanding an overhaul of the medical insurance scheme to match the actual cost of treatment.
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They argued that the current allocation of Sh550,000 is far below what is required for surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and essential medication.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 9, SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi confirmed that the review is being carried out by the Benefit Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP).
The panel, she said, is mandated to assess and advise on the range of health services financed under the scheme.
“Our core objective, as mandated under the law, is to provide a framework for improved health outcomes and financial protection in line with the right to health and universal health coverage,” said Mwangangi.
According to the authority, the BPTAP is already evaluating the oncology package to determine how the treatment cap can be raised to offer more comprehensive assistance to patients battling cancer.
SHA also announced plans to meet representatives from the Kenya Network of Cancer Organisations (KENCO) next week to explore ways of improving support for patients and incorporating feedback into the review.
“SHA welcomes the memorandum from the KENCO in full, demonstrating the significant progress we have made as a country in this reform agenda in informing our benefits and tariff packages,” the statement noted.
The authority reiterated that it has been working with hospitals, professional bodies, and pharmaceutical companies to find lasting solutions to the high cost of cancer care in the country.
“The government’s broader objective is to reduce the cost of oncology care. To this end, SHA already increased the oncology package limit from Sh400,000 to Sh50,000 in April this year,” the authority stated.
Mwangangi added that the review process is part of wider health financing reforms meant to strengthen the universal health coverage plan and ensure that Kenyans facing chronic illnesses are not financially overwhelmed by treatment costs.
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