The Deputy Director Clinical Services at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), Dr. Omar Aly has challenged persons afflicted by chronic diseases to form support groups so as to alleviate their suffering.

“We cannot overemphasize the importance of Support Groups since it has been found to be effective the world over especially in terms of psychological support and palliative care,” he said.

Dr. Omar made the remarks while officially launching MTRH’s Breast Cancer Support Group on April 3^rd, 2012 at the Riley Mother and Baby Hospital’s Conference Room.

He said that plans are at an advanced stage to put up a fully-fledged Cancer Centre at the Hospital that will include a state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Machine.

The Deputy Director said that early screening and detection was key to better management of Cancer and other chronic diseases and terminal illnesses.

He paid tribute to the former Deputy Chairperson of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, Ms. Mary Onyango for enduring Cancer for twelve years until she succumbed to the ailment on March 31^st, 2012.

“Ms. Onyango worked closely with MTRH and mostly with the Oncology Department in a number of areas. She was a very focused and results-oriented lady. We should not mourn her instead draw inspiration from her efforts,” he implored.

Dr. Omar expressed gratitude to the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Medical Services and the Hospital’s development partners for their continued support to the institution.P

Present during the launch were; Deputy Chief Nurse, Ms. Jane Nyariki and Co-Directors’ of Hemato-Oncology Department, Dr. Naftali Busakhala and Dr. Fredrick Chite.