Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Medical fund raises Sh100m for cancer

cancer


Rising cancer cases, especially among the poor, have increased the need for financial assistance to patients. FILE PHOTO | NMG 
A medical fund has raised more than Sh100 million to help treat cancer patients unable to access specialised treatment.
Faraja Medical Fund said Wednesday in Nairobi that it will absorb out-of-pocket costs for poor patients for procedures like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cancer kills 32,987 Kenyans a year and the rising incidences of the deadly diseases are now a public health crisis in a county with underfunded public hospitals and shortage of specialist doctors.
The fund said it had received more that Sh100 million from sponsors to help pay for bills not covered by insurance.
Officials at the charity said that to qualify for a grant, individuals must submit an application form to be vetted by a panel. The selection criteria will be based on the financial status of the applicant and age, type of cancer, and prognosis.
Faraja was started in 2010 and has mainly been providing emotional support to patients through therapy and information.

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