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{
    "id": 1057189,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1057189/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 249,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13188,
        "legal_name": "Getrude Musuruve Inimah",
        "slug": "getrude-musuruve-inimah"
    },
    "content": "allocate money for the purpose of supporting Cancer patients, as well as persons who end up deformed from Cancer. I was personally not born as a person with disability, but I thank God for this disability. I got disability in order to survive. There is need to have empathy for people who get deformities as a result of Cancer. Thousands of women in Kenya have lost their breasts to Cancer, and are unable to buy the prosthesis. The county governments can help women who have lost their breasts to Cancer by subsidizing or offering free prosthesis. The county governments can also help persons who have lost their limbs to Cancer acquire artificial limbs, which can help such persons be productive. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, in many nations of the world, people talk about issues of Cancer, but the money does not reach the intended persons. It is a money game. We need to empathize with Cancer patients because we are all potential Cancer victims. It is our onus to make legislation that will help Cancer survivors. The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) should be free for Cancer patients. Many Cancer patients are supposed to go for chemotherapy, but cannot afford it. Many Cancer patients have ended up selling their property to finance their treatment. More often than not, many Cancer patients die leaving their families languishing in poverty. In other parts of the world such as the United States of America (USA), when one is diagnosed with Cancer, they are treated differently. Employers of persons with Cancer treat them with caution and empathy. In the USA and other developed countries, Cancer patients who are still productive, are allowed to work as much as they can and even receive promotions. So many Kenyans are hurting out there. Many Cancer patients in Kenya do not receive empathy from their employers. It is unfortunate that when some employers know that a member of their staff is suffering from Cancer or any other chronic disease, that will be the end of their job. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, we should learn to treat people with terminal illnesses with a lot of caution and love. It is not anybody’s choice to get Cancer, and its treatment is very expensive. The treatment of Cancer varies from patient to patient, as it is determined by the biopsies. Biopsies are carried out on Cancer patients to find out whether they will be treated through chemotherapy alone or there is need to have both surgery and chemotherapy. There are some types of Cancers that can also be treated through radiotherapy alone. For Cancer patients to receive effective diagnosis and treatment, doctors, particularly oncologists, need to be trained. Kenya must invest in the treatment of Cancer patients. Investing in the treatment of Cancer does not only mean buying equipment. Investment in Cancer treatment includes the training of oncologists and other medical personnel, who are involved in the diagnosis, treatment and care of Cancer patients. Investing in human resource is very important. We can invest in equipment after investing in the human resource. Why should we invest in expensive equipment when people do not know how to use the equipment or have the expertise? We need to invest in the training of oncologists. It is not only training oncologists, but we must also invest in paying oncologists handsomely. If we do not pay them handsomely, we will have medical tourism where you will be referred abroad. If you are referred abroad, whoever is referring you will be given a commission. Therefore, as nation, we have to find out how we can actually help. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}