The National Assembly has deliberated on the lack of facilities specializing in the treatment of endometriosis, a painful and debilitating condition affecting millions of women in Kenya.

The debate stemmed from a response read by the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee of Health, Hon. (Dr.) Robert Pukose (Endebess) to a request for statement by Nominated MP, Hon. Irene Mayaka on the same.

In his response, Hon. (Dr.) Pukose informed the House that the Ministry of Health vide a letter dated August 12, 2024, had informed the Committee on Health that it had invested heavily in the treatment of endometriosis.

“The Government has invested in the training of gynecologists. Currently there are about 700 gynecologists working in different parts of the country both in public and private. We have five trained laparoscopic gynecological surgeons mainly based at national referral hospitals. Equally the Government has invested on the availability of laparoscopic equipment for use by the experts” read the letter.

The letter went on to add, “Awareness on endometriosis is a continuous process done through periodic continuous medical education forums and health education session talks at health facilities. The Ministry plans to do media campaigns nationally and through local FM radios on endometriosis to give correct information about the disease and eliminate stigma around similar conditions of painful menses and demystify myths.” 

Hon. (Dr.)  Pukose noted that the Ministry plans to establish endometriosis specialized centres of excellence to offer care, train more laparoscopic gynecological surgeons, ensure availability of endometriosis medicines through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), avail more laparoscopic equipment and continuous sensitization of the general public on endometriosis through Community Health Promoters and media.

However, lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the responses given by the Cabinet Secretary.

Hon. Mayaka pointed out that a country with so many young women suffering from the condition could not be served by only five trained laparoscopic surgeons.

“Having only two public facilities and five trained laparoscopic surgeons specializing in this matter is simply not enough. This is one of the procedures that is very expensive with surgeries costing between Kshs.350,000 to Kshs.1 million per surgery. If you look at the number of young women suffering from this condition, the Government must do much more,” she said.

Mombasa County MP, Hon. Zamzam Mohamed called for action from the Ministry stating that currently, many of the young women suffering from endometriosis are forced to seek herbal solutions to treat the condition.

Uasin Gishu County MP, Hon. Gladys Boss and Mbita MP, Hon Millie Odhiambo both called on doctors and health practitioners to heed the cries of women pointing out that it is only the women who are going through the condition who can bear testament to the suffering that they have endured. 

"Believe me, it is the women who are the authority on their bodies and many women are living in pain," Hon. Boss said.