President Uhuru Kenyatta receives India Prime Minister Narendra Modi at State House, Nairobi, July 11, 2016. /PSCU

India to fully finance cancer hospital in Kenya – PM Modi

India will fully finance a cancer hospital in Kenya and partner with the country to improve health systems and access to treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said on Monday that his country will donate medical equipment and medicine for hospitals across Kenya.

“We are also donating essential medicine, especially ARVs. I understand healthcare is a key priority for President Uhuru Kenyatta,” said Modi.

He addressed a joint press conference with Uhuru at State House in Nairobi.

Noting historical ties with Kenya provide a basis for partnerships, Modi thanked Uhuru for his kind words and hospitality.

“I am honoured to be here. Kenya is a great friend of India; our ties run deep and we have a shared colonial history,” he noted.

He added that Kenya and India have more to partner on as they are both innovative.

The President said Kenya was working towards having its own pharmaceuticals manufacturing plant with India’s support.

Uhuru said he signed bilateral agreements that will see the growth of several sectors and enhance the two countries’ prosperity.

The President said the PM’s visit offered Kenya a chance to renew and deepen their friendship and partnership.

Kenyatta National Hospital is the only public facility with a cancer treatment centre for children aged up to 14.

The hospital said the disease accounts for approximately 18,000 deaths in Kenya annually, with up to 20 per cent occurring among babies and children.

The Health ministry  launched new cancer testing equipment at KNH in July.

Health CS James Macharia said the Human Papiloma Virus equipment will facilitate primary prevention through screening, detection, early diagnosis and appropriate management of pre-cancers and cancers.

Source: The Star