Kilifi County is poised to take a significant step in improving healthcare for its residents by establishing a cancer centre. This ambitious project is designed to alleviate the burden faced by patients who currently must seek medical care for cancer in distant locations, both within and outside Kenya. The initiative marks a pivotal moment in the county’s healthcare development, driven by the efforts of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and supported by strategic international partnerships.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the acquisition of advanced cancer treatment equipment, made possible through a partnership with an Austrian organization based in Vienna. This collaboration was secured following Governor Mung’aro’s visit to Austria last year, during which he sought international support to enhance Kilifi’s healthcare infrastructure. The Governor’s proactive approach has now borne fruit, with the National Government having already approved and officiated the establishment of the cancer centre. The project is now in its final stages, awaiting the arrival of the essential equipment.
Governor Mung’aro emphasized the importance of this project while speaking at Thumbay Hospital University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during an official trip. The visit was part of a broader initiative to send ten Kilifi County medics to Dubai for advanced training, a move that underscores the Governor’s commitment to upgrading the skills of local healthcare workers. The training program at Thumbay Hospital University, which is renowned for its state-of-the-art medical services, including a world-class cancer centre, is part of Kilifi’s long-term strategy to ensure that its medical staff are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques in cancer treatment and patient care.
The planned cancer centre in Kilifi is expected to offer affordable treatment options, providing much-needed relief to cancer patients across the Coast region. Currently, many patients from Kilifi and surrounding areas are forced to travel to Nairobi or even abroad to access specialized cancer care, which can be both financially and physically exhausting. The new centre aims to bring these critical services closer to home, reducing the need for long, costly journeys and ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment.
In addition to the infrastructure development, the partnership with Thumbay Hospital University extends to the training and professional development of Kilifi’s healthcare staff. The first batch of ten medics from Kilifi County hospitals has already been sent to Dubai for a comprehensive three-week training program. This program covers a wide range of medical disciplines, including oncology, pediatrics, dialysis, patient handling, and customer relationship management. The training is designed to equip these medical professionals with the skills needed to handle complex cases and provide high-quality care to cancer patients.
Governor Mung’aro has indicated that this is just the beginning of a series of training initiatives. More medical personnel from Kilifi are expected to participate in similar programs throughout the year. This ongoing commitment to staff development is crucial, as it ensures that the county’s healthcare workforce remains at the forefront of medical advancements. By investing in the education and training of its medical staff, Kilifi County is laying a strong foundation for the success of the cancer centre and other healthcare initiatives.
The partnership with Thumbay Hospital University also includes plans to offer scholarships to fresh medical students from Kilifi. These scholarships will enable students to pursue medical degrees and receive regular, high-quality education, further strengthening the county’s healthcare system in the long term. This focus on education and training is part of a broader vision to create a sustainable and self-reliant healthcare system in Kilifi, one that can meet the needs of its population both now and in the future.
As Kilifi County moves forward with the establishment of the cancer centre, it stands as a model for other counties in Kenya, demonstrating how strategic partnerships and investment in healthcare can lead to significant improvements in public health. The Governor’s efforts are a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of proactive leadership in addressing the healthcare challenges facing the region. The anticipated cancer centre will not only provide critical care to those in need but will also serve as a beacon of hope and progress for the entire community.
