Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has held talks with the newly elected Council of Governors (CoG) Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki on strengthening cooperation between the National and County Governments in healthcare delivery.
The meeting focused on key health sector priorities, including the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Taifa Care, Primary Healthcare and improving the delivery of affordable and quality medical services across the country.
One of the key issues discussed was the proposed Presbyopia Glasses Project, supported by the Livelihoods Impact Fund. The initiative is currently being implemented in seven counties, with two already providing free spectacles to beneficiaries.
Duale and Njuki discussed plans to advance the programme in accordance with the law while protecting the interests of Kenyans and implementing partners.
The meeting also reviewed compliance with Health Management Information Systems (HMIS), which is essential in strengthening accountability and service delivery in health facilities.
According to the discussions, compliance among Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities is nearing 100 per cent, while Level 4 and Level 5 facilities have attained 79 per cent compliance.
The two leaders explored extending implementation timelines to give facilities that have yet to meet the required standards more time to comply.
The welfare of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) also featured prominently, with both sides emphasising the need for timely and consistent remuneration.
On disease surveillance, the meeting reviewed Kenya’s preparedness against Ebola, particularly in counties bordering neighbouring countries. Measures discussed included providing essential equipment, increasing public awareness and strengthening the capacity of disease surveillance teams.
The discussions further addressed medical outreach programmes, with the Ministry reiterating that free medical and surgical camps must remain free of charge and should not be billed to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Counties will be required to submit patient registers, identification details and scheduled dates for medical camps to strengthen accountability, transparency and the proper use of public resources.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement and addressing challenges affecting the implementation of healthcare programmes across the country.
Duale was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, CoG Director of Health Khatra Ali, and other Ministry of Health officials.
Former Nairobi PC David Chelogoi jailed 14 years over Sh1.35 billion land fraud
If you like our work, you can buy us a soda
Buy us a soda 🥤
