Kenya Dental Association Officials Pay Courtesy Call on Principal Secretary for Medical Services
Officials from the Kenya Dental Association (KDA) paid a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, to advocate for the strengthening of oral health within the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) framework.
The discussions focused on key areas, including the expansion of Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits to cover comprehensive oral healthcare services. The officials also highlighted the need to boost local manufacturing, as over 90% of dental materials and equipment are currently imported, leading to high costs and limited accessibility.
To enhance grassroots awareness and promote early intervention, the meeting emphasized the importance of training 750 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in oral health. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of shifting from curative to preventive care, ensuring timely diagnosis and management of oral health conditions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Kenya: Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale, United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner Wigan Discuss Strengthening Health Collaboration
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held discussions with British High Commissioner H.E. Neil Wigan at Afya House, Nairobi, reaffirming the strong partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom in responding to Kenya's evolving health needs. The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, including emerging infectious diseases, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and regional disparities in maternal and child health; challenges that require joint innovation and global solidarity. The two leaders explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aligned with the government's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) priorities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Areas of engagement include health workforce development, health systems strengthening, research and innovation, public health and disease surveillance, and engagement with the diaspora and public sector. CS Duale expressed Kenya's appreciation for the UK's longstanding support to the health sector, noting that the strengthened partnership will enhance health commodity security, support the expansion of financial risk protection, and promote the use of digital innovations in healthcare delivery. Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, was also present at the meeting. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Zawya
Duale Reaffirms Support for Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Warns Against Unregulated Health Courses
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has reaffirmed the Ministry of Health's full support for the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), while issuing a strong caution against the unchecked expansion of health-related courses across the country. Speaking during the official opening of the 8th Biennial KMTC Scientific Conference at the institution's headquarters in Nairobi, Hon. Duale stressed that KMTC must remain a centre of excellence focused on producing competent, service-ready professionals. 'KMTC will not offer credentials without competence,' said the Cabinet Secretary. 'We will not allow institutions to become part of the problem. All training programmes must be aligned to the evolving needs of public health in Kenya.' The conference, themed 'Advancing Equity in a Rapidly Changing Environment,' convened stakeholders from the health sector, academia, and research institutions to share innovations and strategies for improving health training and service delivery. The forum is a critical platform in Kenya's ongoing efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This was Hon. Duale's inaugural visit to KMTC since assuming office as Health Cabinet Secretary. During a consultative meeting with the Board and senior management, he underscored the need for accountability, transparency, and integrity in the training of the country's health workforce. He urged KMTC leadership to continuously review and align course offerings to national health priorities. As part of the visit, Hon. Duale flagged off five double cabin vehicles to be distributed across five KMTC campuses. The vehicles are expected to ease student access to clinical training sites, enhance supervision, and support community-based service delivery. Hon. Duale was hosted by KMTC Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah Cheruiyot, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch, and Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
04-06-2025
- Zawya
Kenya: Duale Calls for Stronger Governance in National Referral Hospitals during Kenyatta National Hospital Visit
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has called for enhanced leadership and accountability in national referral hospitals, emphasizing the need for governance standards that reflect the vital roles these institutions play in delivering quality healthcare. Speaking during his visit to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the CS reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the facility's mandate and addressing any service delivery challenges. This follows recent public conversations and media coverage highlighting issues at KNH. Hon. Duale praised KNH's decades of leadership in specialized care, citing landmark achievements such as Kenya's first laparoscopic kidney resection and intrauterine fetal transfusion, as well as the hospital's groundbreaking role in performing the world's first transhumeral total shoulder replacement (TSR) surgery. He noted that such milestones position Kenya as a global leader in medical innovation and underscore the government's resolve to advance Universal Health Coverage through the Social Health Insurance (SHI) scheme. During his tour of key departments—including the cancer treatment centre, radiotherapy bunker, and the site of a government-funded oxygen-generating plant under construction—the CS encouraged county governments to continue strengthening their referral and primary healthcare systems to ease patient congestion at KNH. He further urged development partners to support KNH's growth in areas such as equipment modernization, digital transformation, training, and research, noting that the hospital remains a critical hub for tertiary care and health innovation in the country. The CS was hosted by the KNH leadership team led by Board Chair Dr. Samier Muravvej and Acting CEO Dr. William Sigilai. He was joined by the Medical Service Prinicipal Secretary Dr Ouma Okunga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Acting CEO of Kenya's Digital Health Agency. Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Health. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
