KENYA – Redhill Cancer Hospital, a project of RVL Healthcare Ltd, has partnered with Siemens Healthineers to enhance cancer care across Eastern Africa.
The collaboration aims to address the growing cancer burden, with 45,000 new cases and nearly 30,000 cancer-related deaths annually in Kenya alone, according to a 2022 Global Cancer Observatory report.
The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the US-Kenya Business Forum in Washington, D.C., with support from Kenya’s President, Dr. William Ruto, and U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman.
Expanding cancer care across the region
The partnership will establish an integrated Cancer Center and Research Park in Nairobi, focusing on high-quality cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research.
The facility will offer a comprehensive approach, covering the entire oncology pathway with advanced diagnostics, imaging, and treatment solutions provided by Siemens Healthineers.
“Our vision is to build Africa’s most comprehensive Cancer Center and Research Park,” said Dr. Leela Prasad Pamidimukkala, CEO of RVL Healthcare Ltd.
“We aim to provide affordable cancer care and make significant strides toward achieving Kenya’s Universal Health Care goals.”
A Focus on Affordable, Accessible Cancer Care
The facility’s long-term development strategy will focus on sustainability, with Siemens Healthineers providing not only equipment but also consulting services, maintenance, and educational programs.
These efforts aim to address the shortage of skilled healthcare workers in Africa by offering both in-person and remote training, as well as AI-powered services.
Vivek Kanade, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers, Middle East & Africa, emphasized the collaboration’s impact: “We are honored to work on this monumental facility, which we believe will bring hope to millions of patients and their families.
“Our goal is to make essential cancer care more accessible and affordable across the region.”
Integrated cancer pathway for regional access
Redhill Cancer Hospital will serve as a one-stop facility for patients, significantly improving regional access to cancer care.
This will reduce the number of patients seeking treatment abroad, keeping resources within the local healthcare system and boosting the economy.
The Research Park, linked to the hospital, will be a hub for oncology research and training.
Collaborations with educational institutions and pharmaceutical companies will drive cutting-edge advancements in cancer care and train healthcare professionals for the future.
According to the press release, construction of the Cancer Center was set to begin in August 2024, with the facility expected to open by the end of 2025.
Once operational, it will offer up to 200,000 cancer screenings and 4,000 surgeries annually, significantly increasing local capacity for cancer treatment.
