Trans Nzoia County Senator Allan Chesang’ has challenged Governor George Natembeya’s administration to prioritize establishment of a Cancer centre in stead investing a lot of resources in projects he says are less beneficial.
Speaking at Chematich area of Cherang’any Constituency during a funds drive to offset medical bill for a Cancer patient, Chesang’ said health is a devolved function and it is not proper for Cancer patients to be refereed to hospitals in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Nairobi or even abroad.
“It sad that our people are forced to spent a lot of money to take their patients to other hospitals outside our county. For sure we need a fully established Cancer Centre like yesterday here in Trans Nzoia,” Chesang said.
The youthful lawmaker further expressed concern about the state of healthcare in Trans Nzoia.
“When I had my medical camp early in the year, I realized that our health sector is not doing well and I think we should be serious as a County,” he added.
Not opposed to Natembeya
However, Chesang’ said his oversight role should not be interpreted to mean he is opposed to Natembeya’s administration projects.
He noted that the vied for the Senate seat knowing that it does not have a kitty like that of Members of National Assembly who have National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
“My role is oversight and I will do it perfectly to ensure that our resources are properly utilized and that does not mean I don’t support Natembeya’s government,” the Senator stated.
On his part, Sitatunga ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Simon Murrey, said the legislative arm of the County Government is ready to support the establishment of the Cancer centre and employment of Cancer specialists.
“We are asking the Executive to prepare and bring a supplementary budget to us and we shall approve it so that we establish our own oncology center with equipment and competent staff,” Murrey said.
He further called on Cancer patients to avoid mixing herbal drugs with hospital medicines saying that endangers their lives.
Leonard Bett, the Head teacher of Mary Immaculate Conception Primary school asked residents of Trans Nzoia to frequently go for Cancer screening.
“We should frequently go for Cancer screening because if saves lives. If it is detected early probably in stage one or two, the disease can be managed” Bett said.
Currently, the closest most patients seeking cancer treatment can get the services is the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret.
