Health CS Duale Lauds Garissa County Referral Hospital

GARISSA – Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale lauded the Garissa County Teaching and Referral Hospital (GCTRH) for its lifesaving services and growing impact in cancer care and overall healthcare delivery across Northern Kenya on Sunday.

CS Duale praised the commitment of healthcare workers at the hospital. “I deeply thank the dedicated healthcare team driving this mission. Their tireless efforts are transforming cancer care in this region and restoring hope to thousands,” he said.

The Garissa Regional Cancer Centre, administered by Refferal Hospital, is a state-of-the-art facility and one of only three specialized cancer treatment hubs in Kenya, alongside Mombasa and Nakuru.

The centre is a critical lifeline for patients from Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, Kitui, Isiolo, Lamu, and even from neighboring Somalia and Ethiopia.

During his visit, CS Duale toured the facility and engaged with the hospital’s oncology team to assess operational challenges and explore opportunities to enhance service delivery.

He noted that the centre currently serves approximately 40 patients daily, 10 of them being new cases.

He underscored ongoing collaborations with pharmaceutical partners aimed at reducing the cost of cancer drugs and consumables.

Mr. Duale underpinned the national government’s commitment to accessible and affordable healthcare.

The hospital, which was previously one of eight provincial general hospitals under the Ministry of Medical Services before devolution, has been prioritized under the leadership of Garissa County Governor Nathif Jama.

His administration has made health sector transformation a cornerstone of his development agenda and legacy.

Significant progress has been recorded following administrative changes at the Refferal Hospital, including the appointment of Mr. Mahat Salah as the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer in 2024.

Garissa Regional Cancer Centre has high-tech equipment offering comprehensive cancer care for patients. Photo/ Yunis Dekow

The cancer centre specifically addresses the increasing burden of cancer cases in the region. Common cancers among men include prostate, esophageal, and colorectal cancers, while breast and cervical cancers remain most prevalent among women.

Cancer remains the third leading cause of death in Kenya and the second among non-communicable diseases, accounting for approximately 7% of the national mortality rate.

The Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was accompanied by Dr. Joan-Paula Bor of the Ministry of Health’s National Cancer Control Program and Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane Muhumed.