The introduction of Kenya’s Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is viewed as a groundbreaking healthcare initiative, yet concerns arise regarding its capacity to cover the treatment expenses for cancer patients. Health sector experts affiliated with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) raise alarms, stressing the need for clarity and comprehensive coverage before the commencement of public contributions. The key apprehension revolves around the undefined “comprehensive care” for cancer patients within the SHIF framework, prompting calls for an elaborate strategy to identify the specific costs of cancer treatment.

Jacqueline Wambua, General Manager of Pharma East Africa, emphasizes the necessity for the committee overseeing SHIF to devise a clear plan for the cost of cancer treatment. Dr. Ida Mbuthia, Healthcare Access Lead, echoes this sentiment by highlighting the absence of concrete action regarding the crucial HPV self-testing kit for early cervical cancer detection. The lack of transparency regarding cancer treatment costs within SHIF raises anxieties among experts and the public alike, as the uncertainty surrounding this critical aspect clouds the promised “comprehensive care.”

Amidst these concerns, Dr. Allan Pamba, Vice President-Africa for Roche Diagnostics, draws attention to the significant burden on the healthcare sector, emphasizing the need for prudent investment, particularly in addressing crises like cancer care. The overall message from experts is a call for transparency and a comprehensive plan before the initiation of public contributions to ensure that SHIF can genuinely fulfill its commitment to providing accessible healthcare for all, especially for those confronting life-threatening illnesses such as cancer. As Kenya prepares for the implementation of SHIF, the uncertainty surrounding its ability to cover a wide range of patient treatment costs casts doubt on its overall effectiveness.