Medical professionals who are in the forefront of the fight against cancer have decried the interference of traditional herbalists in the fight against cancer in the country.
The medics claim the herbalists lure patients under their care with promises of healing often leading to tragic consequences as the patients are taken out of professional care at critical times in the cycles of treatment.
Speaking during a fundraiser in aid of one of the patients who succumbed to cancer which was held at Wagon Wheel Hotel in Eldoret, Dr. Melly of Alexandria Cancer Centre in Eldoret lamented the new trend where cancer patients from the region were being given false hopes by unscrupulous traditional herbalists who take them away from professional care at critical moments.
Dr Melly appealed for support systems from the society to cancer patients who often brave abandonment by their close relatives and friends at their hour of need.
He said that the patients need love and care at all times to face their health challenges.
There were appeals for the dissemination of information on cancer and frequent testing to aid in the early detection of cancer.
Speaking during the same forum, Governor Jackson Mandago rooted for a lifestyle change to ward off lifestyle ailments which are on the rise.
"We need to exercise every day and reduce intake of junk," the Governor advised.
He noted that people keep poisoning their body systems through over-indulgence and rooted in active lifestyles to fight some of the diseases.
Equally, Governor Mandago made a passionate appeal to private hospitals within Eldoret to look into innovative ways to cut down the cost of medical expenses which are soaring on a daily basis.
"People have sold their lands to pay medical bills exceeding Sh1 million," the governor lamented.
He appealed to residents to sensitize their community members on having NHIF cover for all to assist in mitigating against the tough and punitive costs of treatment.
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