MP Timothy Toroitich Proposes Bill To Create Cancer Prevention And Control Fund

• MP Toroitich proposes Cancer Prevention and Control Fund to improve cancer care in Kenya
• Cancer patients in Kenya will benefit from the proposed fund that would subsidize treatment and research
• MP's motion to create Cancer Prevention and Control Fund could pave the way for transformative change in cancer management

Nairobi - Marakwet West MP Timothy Kipchumba Toroitich has taken a commendable step towards addressing a pressing issue that affects countless lives in Kenya.

The lawmaker proposed a bill to create a Cancer Prevention and Control Fund.

Cancer Prevention and Control Fund

Recognising the grim reality that cancer is one of the leading causes of death in our country, he has put forth a bold proposal to create a Cancer Prevention and Control Fund.

This move comes against the backdrop of an increasingly urgent need for better resources, infrastructure, and support for cancer patients.

Despite the gradual increase in budgetary allocation for healthcare services, cancer prevention and care continue to fall short in terms of funding.

As a result, many cancer patients are left without access to adequate treatment, and a significant number cannot complete their prescribed regimens due to the prohibitively high costs associated with cancer management.

A raft of measures

Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, the vocal lawmaker said the proposed motion carries a twofold objective.

Firstly, it seeks to leverage the Public Finance Management Act to establish a dedicated fund focused on the Prevention and Control of Cancer.

"The motion seeks to compel the National Treasury to invoke the provision of the Public Finance Management Act to establish a fund for the prevention and control of cancer," Toroitich said.

This legislative effort could potentially pave the way for a comprehensive approach to addressing the various facets of cancer, ranging from early diagnosis to affordable treatment options.

Secondly, this proposed fund aims to reduce the financial burden on cancer patients significantly.

"The motion and the proposed fund intend to make the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of all forms of cancer as cheaper as possible. The proposed fund seeks to model the Singaporean NCIS Cancer Fund, whose objective is to, among others, assist cancer patients who are in financial need and to assist in the funding of relevant research in common cancers," he explained.

Singaporean NCIS Cancer Fund

Drawing inspiration from the Singaporean NCIS Cancer Fund, which provides crucial assistance to financially challenged cancer patients and supports essential research, the envisioned fund would offer subsidised treatment and grants to aid patients in managing their conditions.

By pushing for the creation of this fund, MP Toroitich aims not only to alleviate the economic strain that cancer patients and their families endure but also to establish a platform for the amendment of existing laws and the formulation of new regulations under the purview of the relevant ministry.

"Once established, the Fund will ease the economic burden of Cancer patients by subsidising treatment and providing them with a small grant to manage their conditions. The ultimate goal of the motion will be the introduction of a bill to amend relevant laws and/or the development of regulations by the ministry concerned," an optimistic Toroitich said.

This motion represents a crucial step forward in the battle against cancer in Kenya.

Expanding cancer care, increasing funding and preventive education

Regardless of the details, death can devastate those it leaves behind. All losses are significant whether the mother, father, sister, brother or spouse.

At first, it would be in my wildest of imaginations to contemplate cancer diagnosis to anyone close to me since there’s no family history evidence of the said disease, and when revelations came about my husband's illness, the reactions of disbelief and denial, coupled with an imminent sense of dread, struck me hard.

I was in tremendous psychological distress, emotional guilt and stress. This state may sometimes result in delays in seeking treatment or nonadherence to treatment since the cancer news is often regarded as synonymous with a death sentence.

The thought of the cost of treatment can be nerve-wracking to the immediate caregivers, especially when the social background is unstable. Luckily, the strong and supportive ecosystem of friendship coupled with emotional and physical support from our families came through significantly.