Meru County through the office of the First Lady Priscilla Murungi has, in partnership with Meru Hospice Care Association, ( KEHPCA) Ampath Oncology and Kenya Hospices Palliative, rolled out free cancer screening services scheduled for all subcounties.

Speaking at Timau Subcounty Hospital, the First Lady said the county government has keen interest in fighting the cancer menance and that in collaboration with the National government, is set to put up a Cancer Center at Meru level IV Hospital.

She thanked HE Margaret Kenyatta for introducing the Beyond Zero Campaign program through which the county got a mobile clinic that is helping in the provision of such screening services.

She urged the people to enroll for NHIF and Meru Care cover, once rolled out, to relieve them of pocket financing of health services, cancer treatment being one of the act that has impoverished people.

"Although cancer is 100% treatable, it is unfortunate that about 70% of people diagnosed with cancer in Kenya die, with Meru carrying the biggest burden, since cancer has no specific symptoms. The only option is to practice healthy lifestyle and going for early screening." Said First Lady.

According to CEC Health Misheck Mutuma, 15% of cancer patients seeking medical attention in Kenyatta National Hospital, hail from Meru. He advised Meru residents to make use of Meru Level V Hospital's oncology unit apart from the sub county level screening services.

Maternity wing, male and female wards, replacement of asbestos roofing sheets, believed to cause cancer, are some of the projects the government is set to undertake at the Timau health facility.

The exercise was attended by several MCAs who called for support to the Governor's development agenda.