UHC Rollout: CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Confident in Improved Healthcare Outcomes for Kenyans
UHC Rollout: CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Confident in Improved Healthcare Outcomes for Kenyans
UHC Rollout: CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Confident in Improved Healthcare Outcomes for Kenyans
UHC Rollout: CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Confident in Improved Healthcare Outcomes for Kenyans

UHC Rollout: CS Dr. Deborah Barasa Confident in Improved Healthcare Outcomes for Kenyans

MoH News / Tue, 09/24/2024 - 06:44

Nairobi, Kenya - 23rd September 2024 - As the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) rollout approaches, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa has expressed confidence in the positive impact UHC will have on Kenya's healthcare system, particularly in managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Speaking during a consultative meeting with CEOs from the Ministry of Health’s agencies at the Kenya School of Government, Dr. Barasa highlighted that UHC is key to providing affordable healthcare for all Kenyans, as outlined in Article 43 of the Constitution. She pointed out that while NCDs remain a significant health concern in the country, the rollout of UHC will make healthcare more accessible and affordable, especially for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Barasa urged the CEOs to allocate resources for communication and the ongoing registration efforts at the county level, emphasizing that well-coordinated efforts will be critical to UHC’s success.

“UHC will be a game-changer," Dr. Barasa said. "Other nations have successfully implemented similar programs, and Kenya is well on its way to achieving equitable healthcare for all." Dr. Barasa outlined the four key pillars driving the UHC agenda: healthcare financing, digitization of health services, the local production of health products and technologies (HPTs), and human resource development for health.

Dr. Barasa encouraged all health facilities to prioritize the registration process, directing CEOs to set up registration desks and assign staff to support the initiative. She also urged Kenyans to register to benefit from free primary health and emergency care, adding that the revised UHC financing model—set at 2.75%—is progressive and will ensure equitable access to health services.

In attendance were Principal Secretary for Medical Services Mr. Harry Kimtai, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, SHA Acting CEO Mr. Elijah Wachira, and several key leaders from state agencies within the Ministry of Health.