The Kenyan government has announced a plan to align health and financial needs, ensuring better healthcare services for citizens under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program. Principal secretaries from the health and treasury ministries have pledged timely funding and infrastructure improvements. This follows an April announcement that 21.3 million Kenyans already benefit from enhanced services.
On Thursday, Principal Secretary for Medical Services in the Health Ministry, Dr. Ouma Oluga, and his counterpart in the Treasury, Chris Kiptoo, held a meeting to ensure UHC implementation aligns with the economic system uplifting low-income citizens.
Dr. Oluga emphasized strengthening referral hospitals, leveraging technology in medical services, research, medical innovation, and vaccine production. He added that better health services will succeed only if budget allocations are sufficient and timely. “Meager budget and lack of funding affect service delivery in referral hospitals, research institutions, and social health programs,” said Dr. Oluga.
Mr. Kiptoo stated that sufficient funding will enable UHC implementation and reduce treatment costs for every Kenyan. The two principals promised a system for timely fund disbursement to avoid gaps causing service shortages.
Key pillars include reforms in health sector funding, digital transformations, investments in health, and simplifying access to services for all Kenyans. In April, Health Minister Aden Duale announced that 21.3 million Kenyans receive better services under UHC.