The Kisumu government has designated Victoria Subcounty Hospital (Annex) as a regional hub for specialised diagnostic services, with cancer and sickle cell screening among the initial services to be offered at the facility.
Health executive Gregory Ganda said the move is aimed at improving early detection and diagnosis of diseases while expanding access to specialised healthcare services in Kisumu, the wider Lake region and neighbouring cross-border communities.
Ganda said the hospital will host a new cancer screening and diagnostic laboratory to be established in partnership with the Africa Smart Cities Alliance (ASCA).
The laboratory will offer advanced cancer screening and diagnostic services and is expected to be officially launched during the Africa Smart Cities Conference later this month.
"The facility will also establish a sickle cell screening and diagnostic programme in collaboration with Yunigen and its partners,"Ganda said in a statement on Tuesday.
The programme, he said will focus on early detection and diagnosis of sickle cell disease, as well as treatment and long-term management of patients.
Ganda said there are further plans to expand specialised diagnostic services at the hospital, including molecular diagnostics and advanced laboratory capacity.
"Victoria Subcounty Hospital will also coordinate cancer screening programmes across Kisumu county and the wider Lake region."
The executive said the investments are part of Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s administration’s shift towards preventive healthcare, with greater emphasis on detecting diseases early rather than relying mainly on treatment after patients develop advanced conditions.
The designation comes amid efforts to expand access to specialised diagnostic services within the region, potentially reducing the need for patients to travel outside Kisumu for testing services.
Ganda said they will work with national government agencies, development partners, research and academic institutions and private sector organisations in expanding specialised healthcare and diagnostic capacity.
The county’s health department is seeking to build a health system that uses technology and evidence-based approaches while improving access to quality and affordable services.
