Sustainable Financing and Innovation Key to Universal Health Coverage
| Nyeri County
Sustainable healthcare financing, locally driven research and innovation, and a competent and compassionate health workforce are essential to advancing Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage reforms.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga made the remarks while presiding over the 25th Anniversary celebrations of Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital in Nyeri County. He said healthcare financing must be anchored in transparency and accountability, highlighting the role of the Social Health Authority in strengthening financing and improving reimbursements to healthcare providers.
Dr. Oluga commended the Outspan Academic and Healthcare Ecosystem for integrating healthcare delivery, medical education, research and innovation. He noted that institutions such as Outspan bring specialised services closer to communities while reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for quality care.
He called for greater investment in local research and innovation to strengthen Kenya’s health security and reduce dependence on externally developed solutions. He also urged training institutions to nurture healthcare professionals who combine technical competence with compassion, responsibility and commitment to patient-centred care.
Dr. Oluga launched the Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital and Outspan Global University Strategic Plan 2026–2035. The roadmap focuses on expanding specialised healthcare services, health professions training, research, innovation and digital health, while supporting the hospital’s planned transition into a Global Reference University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital.
The Silver Jubilee marked Outspan’s growth from an outpatient facility established in 2001 into an integrated academic and healthcare institution serving the Mt. Kenya region and beyond.
Present were Principal Secretary for East African Community Affairs Dr. Caroline Karugu, Outspan Global University Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Mbugua, OTRH Executive Director Dr. Geoffrey Kiruhi, Medical Superintendent Dr. Peter Murimi, Bishop Gerald Mureithi, members of the clergy, a representative of the Nyeri County Commissioner, representatives of the public and private health sectors, hospital staff, students and other stakeholders.