Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-13 06:46:10
Olamayiani Naserian has been making the 460-kilometer round trips from Oloitokitok to the Kenyatta National Hospital oncology clinic since his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. These trips have taken a considerable toll on them emotionally and financially, but it is their only hope for survival as a relatively young couple.
On Wednesday, February 7, the Nation met Mr. Naserian and his wife at the Kenyatta National Hospital where they had visited for cancer treatment. Unfortunately, they were unable to proceed with her treatment as the radiotherapy machine had broken down. Mr. Naserian, who requested that his real name not be used, expressed his frustration with the e-Citizen paybill system, which had delayed their ability to receive timely treatment.
In response to these complaints, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Evanson Kamuri, stated that all patients who sought services at the hospital received treatment on the same day. However, reports from Nation journalists suggested that delays in the eCitizen portal have affected several health services, with an estimated 1,000 lung cancer patients unable to access medication for the past five months.
This is due to delays in the importer of key medicines being cleared to ship them into the country, following the introduction of the government’s eCitizen paybill number 222222. While the eCitizen platform was meant to improve efficiency and combat corruption, it has caused significant delays and challenges in delivering services.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has reported that payments made three months ago for the importation of new-generation drugs have not been cleared, causing several importers to wait for shipments. This situation has not only affected lung cancer patients but has also led to shortages of medications for other types of cancer, including breast and cervical cancer.
The shortage of vital medications has been felt by national referral hospitals such as Kenyatta and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Patients are reporting delays in accessing health services, with some using the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) unable to receive medical services due to issues with their payments reflecting in hospital records.
The reported problems with the eCitizen payment system have led to widespread frustration among patients and healthcare providers. Despite the potential of the eCitizen platform to improve efficiency, its implementation has created significant challenges in the healthcare sector, particularly in accessing vital medications for cancer treatment.
The disruptions in the supply chain for cancer medications are likely to have serious consequences, as these drugs are crucial for the survival and well-being of patients. Lung cancer has been particularly affected, with high mortality rates and limited access to quality care continuing to be a significant health concern in Kenya and globally. The challenges with the eCitizen system have highlighted the need for urgent solutions to ensure that patients can access the medications and treatments they urgently require.
In conclusion, the implementation of the eCitizen platform has led to significant delays and challenges in delivering essential cancer medications and treatments. It is crucial for the government and relevant authorities to address these issues promptly to ensure that patients can access the medications and care they need for critical conditions such as lung cancer. It is only through timely access to vital medications and treatments that patients can have the best chance for survival and improved quality of life.
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