M.P. Shah Hospital Steps up Fight against Children’s Cancer
Cancer is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with approximately 400,000 children and adolescents of 0-19 years old developing cancer each year. In Kenya, cancer is the 3rd leading cause of death after infectious and cardiovascular diseases.
About 2,500 children in Kenya develop cancer every year out of about 20 million children, most of whom do not get the necessary attention because of the scarcity of cancer facilities in the country. Because it is generally not possible to prevent cancer in children, the most effective strategy to reduce the burden of cancer in children and improve outcomes is to focus on a prompt, correct diagnosis followed by effective, evidence-based therapy with tailored supportive care.
M.P. Shah Hospital unveiled its dedicated children’s cancer centre. The new Shri Abhey Oswal Children’s Cancer Support Clinic will have the capacity to treat 100 children a month and will incorporate the latest advances in the fight against cancer. The facility occupies the seventh floor in the newly launched 7-storey KPJ Medical Centre located at M.P. Shah main Hospital. The centre diagnoses and treats children with blood disorders and cancers. It provides ambulatory chemotherapy treatment services. Moreover, the clinic attends to children with non-cancerous blood diseases like anaemia and bleeding disorders. Along with unique treatment protocols, the children’s cancer centre employs cutting-edge technology and has skilled and experienced specialists at its disposal, all of which helps in providing adequate diagnostic and clinical care support to children with cancer.
“The children’s cancer centre at M.P. Shah Hospital is brings the best quality and affordable facility closer to children suffering from cancer to improve their quality of life. Parents will no longer have to travel long distances to search for cancer care for their ailing children.” Says Dr. Sarah Mumo, an oncologist.
In attendance was Mrs. Aruna Oswal, Senior Lions Foundation trustees, as well as the High Commissioner of India to Kenya, H.E Dr. Virander Paul.