Counties Urged to Fast-Track UHC Reforms as SHA Records Major Gains
Nairobi, - Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has called on county governments to accelerate implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms, saying Kenya’s health sector transformation is now focused on delivery and results.
Speaking during a meeting of Chief Officers of Health from all 47 counties in Kisumu, Dr. Oluga said the Social Health Insurance Act, Digital Health Act, Primary Health Care Act and Facility Improvement Financing Act have laid a strong foundation for healthcare reforms and require full implementation by both levels of government.
He reported significant progress under the Social Health Authority (SHA), with 31.39 million Kenyans registered, KES 147.37 billion paid in claims, 11,034 health facilities contracted and more than 1.16 million safe deliveries financed since .The PS highlighted maternal and newborn health as a key priority under the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) initiative, noting that SHA has spent over KES 17 billion on maternity services, including more than KES 9 billion disbursed to county facilities. He added that the Government has secured KES 4.2 billion to sustain maternal health services at Level 2 and 3 facilities.
Dr. Oluga urged counties to intensify SHA registration and public awareness campaigns, complete the transition of UHC staff into substantive positions by , deploy SHA claims officers in referral facilities, strengthen blood donation programmes and improve utilisation of digital health systems.
He also cited progress in health facility regulation, noting that 6,015 county health facilities currently hold valid operating licences, representing an 88 per cent compliance rate.
The Principal Secretary reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare financing, workforce development, digitisation, commodity security and service delivery under the Taifa Care reforms.
The meeting, organised by the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors, is reviewing progress in UHC implementation and identifying priority actions to improve healthcare services across the country.
Present were Dr. Kevin Osuri, Chairperson of the Council of Governors Health Caucus; Ms. Jemima Kuta representing the Council of Governors CEO; KEMSA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Waqo Ejersa; representatives from SHA, DHA, KMPDC, KBTTS, development partners and senior Ministry of Health officials.