Principal Secretary for Health Susan Mochache has underscored the role of the Private Sector in Health Service delivery and reiterated the Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the Private Players to thrive.
Speaking during a talk show on health organized by the Kenya Commercial Bank, the PS revealed that the Government is undertaking various measures to encourage more private sector involvement in health. She said the Finance Bill 2021 will facilitate amendment of the taxation regime on some Health Products and Technologies (HPTs) and raw materials for manufacturing to make to encourage local manufacturing.
The PS also revealed that plans are underway to add more HPTs to the tax exemption master list, including raw materials and packaging materials used in the production of local and regional markets. “This is with the ultimate aim of passing on these benefits to citizens.” The PS said.
She also informed that the Ministry has been supporting private facilities that qualify for waivers on medical equipment importation to an average of about Kshs. 1 billion annually. “In addition, there has been continued provision of HPTs to private facilities for the national strategic health programmes of HIV, TB and Malaria, including medicines and laboratory reagents towards ensuring continued access to free/subsidized services.” She said.
The PS commended the Sector for the support in the COVID-19 mitigation efforts and in the provision of Primary Health Care Services, training of Human Resources for Health, Information Technology and other infrastructure.
The talk themed “Bringing Lessons to life” brought together health stakeholders to engage on the gains made in the health sector so far and how the country can leverage of Private Public Partnerships to accelerate attainment of Universal Health Coverage.