By Grace Gilo
The Cabinet Health Secretary for Health confirmed the closure of 35 health facilities found guilty of defrauding the Social Health Authority (SHA) and issued a stern warning to those engaged in malpractice during a public forum at KCB Grounds in Kajiado.
“I encouraged the public to report suspicious cases, especially dual billing, via the 24/7 SHA hotline 147,” stated CS Duale.
To enhance awareness and accelerate Taifa Care registration, the CS pledged to ensure that SHA benefits are communicated in local and simplified languages.
“I also reaffirmed our commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through equitable, affordable care and highlighted ongoing efforts to equip public hospitals under the National Equipment Service Program,” he added.
Commending Kajiado for enrolling 431,259 residents, which represents 39% of its population, the Health CS urged continued registration to achieve full UHC.
Additionally, he flagged off over 100 digital devices in Kajiado County, adding to a previous 160, as part of the Ministry’s ongoing health digitization agenda under the Taifa Care rollout.
“While visiting Kajiado County Referral Hospital, I underscored the role of the Comprehensive and Integrated Health Information System (CIHIS) in transforming service delivery by digitizing patient records, prescriptions and transactions,” he added.
The CS emphasized that the shift is key to enhancing transparency, curbing fraud and improving efficiency in public health facilities.
The CS also highlighted the nationwide distribution of 74,000+ devices and highlighted the necessity for continuous training to ensure that healthcare workers can effectively use these systems while upholding patient confidentiality.
Furthermore, he provided stakeholders with updates on key reforms, including the deployment of 6,484 healthcare interns and the recapitalization of KEMSA to guarantee an uninterrupted supply of essential medicines.
He was joined by Kajiado County Governor Hon. Joseph Ole Lenku, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki and Acting CEO of the Digital Health Agency Mr. Anthony Lenaiyara.