Sickle cell patients call for reduced treatment cost

The national government has been asked to make sickle cell disease testing kits and treatment affordable to all patients.

The call was made during an awareness forum on the disease held at Kisumu’s Aga Khan Hall. The meeting brought together patients, individuals involved in the war on the non-communicable disease, Health ministry officials and other health stakeholders.

Patients complained about the high cost of treatment and the shortage of trained health personnel in the country to deal with the disease.

Mr Dennis Awich, a sickle cell survivor, said the drugs, which are taken daily, are expensive, adding that patients are in dire need of painkillers.

“Some even go for Sh25, and we are supposed to use them thrice a day, according to a doctor’s prescription,” he said.

Sickle Cell Strong Initiative Treasurer Molly Achar said her organisation was working with county hospitals to reduce the price of the drugs.

“We want them to help us by reducing the prices and supplying the drugs to facilities in rural areas,” said Mrs Achar.

Ms Anne Kendagor, a programme officer in the ministry, said the kits were available but had not yet been distributed to some health facilities countrywide.