The Chief Executive Officer of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K), Dr. Elias Melly, joined the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. Aden Duale, during a strategic engagement at Afya House with Prof. Eric Ford, Director and Vice-Chair of Medical Physics at the University of Washington and member of Bio Ventures for Global Health (BVGH), aimed at accelerating the transformation of Kenya’s cancer care system under the Universal Health Coverage agenda.
Health CS, Hon. Aden Duale, leading the meeting.
The discussions focused on the growing role of AI-enabled technologies, including systems already in use at Kenyatta National Hospital, in improving diagnostic precision, strengthening clinical decision-making, and enhancing efficiency in oncology care delivery.
The meeting also explored expansion of radiotherapy services, strengthening referral linkages between national and regional cancer centres, digital learning platforms for specialized oncology training, early cancer detection through community health systems, and improved access to essential oncology medicines.
The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to practical, technology-driven solutions that improve access, quality, and equity in cancer care delivery across the country. The Cabinet Secretary was joined by Dr. Stephen Muleshe, Director of Public Health and Sanitation, Dr. Isaak Bashir, Director of Family Health, and other senior Ministry of Health officials.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya (NCI-K) has embarked on a strategic collaboration with Yatharth Group of Hospitals (India), OLCURE, a digital healthcare platform, Fortis Cancer Institute, and Max Hospital, forming a strong multi-institutional network dedicated to improving outcomes for cancer patients in Kenya.
NCI-K, represented by Dr. Nashat Fadhloon Noor, Ag. Head of Cancer Prevention and Control, held a working meeting in India to formalize the partnership and outline priority areas of cooperation, including enhancement of cancer care delivery, digital health integration, and specialist capacity building, as well as to broaden cooperation in cancer management and innovation.
Representatives from the Yatharth Group of Hospitals, Fortis Cancer Institute, Max Hospital, OLCURE, and NCI-K.
Key Areas of Collaboration
1. Enhancing Patient Care & Referral Pathways
The partnership aims to establish a structured international patient support system that enables:
Streamlined referral and coordination for complex cancer cases
Dual-doctor teleconsultations involving Kenyan specialists and Indian oncology experts
Clinical case validation before international treatment
Clear pathways for patients requiring advanced tertiary or quaternary care
This collaborative framework ensures that Kenyan patients benefit from high-quality, timely, and well-coordinated care.
2. Strengthening Digital & Telehealth Integration
OLCURE will support the partnership as the central digital coordination platform, enabling:
Video consultations and multidisciplinary tumor board discussions
EMR-linked digital case management
Patient journey monitoring and follow-up
A unified telehealth ecosystem connecting Kenyan and Indian specialists
This digital approach increases efficiency, reduces delays, and enhances specialist collaboration.
3. Capacity Building for the Kenyan Oncology Workforce
The collaborating institutions—Yatharth, Fortis, and Max—will work with NCI-K to build local capacity through:
Oncology training and skills-transfer programs
Short-term observerships and fellowships
Online CME sessions delivered via OLCURE
Joint academic, clinical, and research initiatives
This will empower Kenyan oncology professionals with exposure to advanced techniques and technologies.
4. Advanced Training, Observerships & Fellowships
Indian partner hospitals will open opportunities for:
Certification programs in clinical and digital health
Robotic surgery training
Cross-specialty surgical and medical oncology skills development
Hands-on training in head and neck cancer surgery and other critical subspecialties
These programs enhance Kenya’s capacity to manage complex cancers locally.
5. Joint Clinical Outreach Programs
The institutions will collaborate with NCI-K to conduct:
OPD outreach camps in Kenya led by visiting Indian specialists
Joint specialty clinics
Planned surgical camps
These outreach efforts will expand access to specialist care across underserved communities.
Strengthening Kenya’s Cancer Care Ecosystem Through Collaboration
The expanded partnership between NCI-K, Yatharth Group of Hospitals, Fortis Cancer Institute, Max Hospital, and OLCURE marks a major step toward transforming cancer care delivery in Kenya.
NCI-K remains committed to forging strategic global partnerships that support prevention, early detection, treatment, and improved cancer outcomes for all Kenyans.
