SENATOR ALLAN CHALLENGES THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF TRANS-NZOIA TO ESTABLISH A CANCER CENTRE.
The call for the establishment of a cancer center comes at a time when the country is experiencing a surge in Cancer cases compared to the past years. Trans-Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang has challenged Governor George Natembeya’s administration to prioritize establishment of a cancer center instead of investing a lot of resources in projects he says are less beneficial.
Speaking at Chematich area of Cherangany constituency during a funds drive to offset the medical bill for a cancer patient, Senator Chesang said health is a devolved function and, its not appropriate for cancer patients to be referred to hospitals in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, Nairobi county or even abroad for treatment yet the county is capacitated enough to set up a cancer center.
Trans-Nzoia Senator early in the year, through his foundation, did a free medical camp that saw over ten thousand patients attended to by doctors and, surgeons from the United States. Despite the many complications, surgeries and, kids, close to five thousand patients had Cancer like symptoms and, had to be referred to hospitals out of Trans-Nzoia county.
The Senator explained to the people and, well-wishers who joined him during the fund drive that, the county is more than capable to establish a cancer center in the region and, cut short the stress of people to move around seeking treatment. In his statement and, I quote, “it is sad that our people are forced to spent a lot of money to take their patients to other hospitals outside our county. For sure we need a fully established Cancer center like yesterday here in Trans-Nzoia.” He added that Cancer is not only costly in terms of resources but a thief of joy and, happiness to the people and, family of the affected.
The youthful lawmaker further expressed concern about the state of healthcare in Trans-Nzoia county. He has challenged the county government on the need to be serious and, prioritize health-care in the region. Adding that the health sector is not doing well at all and, the County Government is reluctant on matters health.
He has reiterated that his oversight role should not be interpreted to mean he is opposed to Natembeya’s administration projects. Senator noting that he vied for the seat knowing that it does not have a kitty like that of Members of the National Assembly who have National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF). Clearly stating his duty of oversight and, assuring the people that he will perfectly ensure that resources are properly utilized and, that does not mean he doesn’t support the county government.
Present with the Senator during the fund drive was Sitatunga ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hon. Simon Murrey, who in his statement said the Legislative arm of County Government is ready to support the establishment of the Cancer center and, employ cancer specialists.
The MCA requested the Executive to prepare a supplementary budget and, they will approve it for an establishment of a well equipped Oncology center. He urged the Cancer patients to avoid mixing herbal drugs with hospital medicines saying that endangers their lives. Leaders present urging residents to frequently go for cancer screening because if detected early, in either stage one or two, it can be managed thus saving lives.
At the moment, the closest most patients seeking cancer treatment in Trans-Nzoia can get the services is at the Moi Teaching and, Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.
