Latest news with #DrOumaOluga
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Kenya: Principal Secretary (PS) Oluga Calls for Increased Funding to Strengthen Family Planning Programme
Medical Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has called on the Parliamentary Committee on Health to prioritise increased resource allocation to the national family planning programme. Speaking in Mombasa during a high-level stakeholder meeting on family planning commodity financing advocacy, Dr. Oluga underscored the critical need for sustained investment to ensure equitable access to family planning services across the country. 'To continue offering equitable and reliable access to family planning, the programme requires approximately USD 25 million—equivalent to Ksh. 3.2 billion—annually for the procurement, warehousing, and distribution of commodities,' he said. He noted that public education remains a key component of the programme's success, emphasizing that access alone is not enough without corresponding awareness. 'There is clear and compelling evidence that investing in family planning pays off. A 2018 cost-benefit analysis revealed that for every one shilling invested in family planning, Kenya saves up to four shillings in health care, education, and social services,' he added. Dr. Oluga identified low public awareness and limited access to commodities as major challenges hindering the effectiveness of the programme. He urged for deliberate efforts to address these barriers. 'We must help the population understand the value of family planning. As the Ministry of Health, our role is to implement what society needs and supports,' he said. The Principal Secretary affirmed that family planning is not only a health intervention but a national investment with long-term social and economic returns. 'It is a social equalizer, a means of promoting education, and a powerful lever for economic development. It is about saving lives, enhancing resilience, and securing a prosperous future for generations to come,' he stated. He further emphasized that children born into planned families are more likely to thrive—receiving adequate nutrition, accessing education, and reaching their full potential. Dr. Oluga described family planning as a cornerstone for public health, a pathway to unlock the demographic dividend, and a hallmark of a progressive, forward-looking nation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Principal Secretary (PS) Oluga Calls for Action-Oriented Approach at Global Financing Facility Meeting
On the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, PS for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga joined the Global Financing Facility in a breakfast meeting where he underscored the vital role the organization plays in the medical space, particularly in strengthening the health workforce, commodity visibility, and reducing women and child mortalities by boosting blood reserves. He outlined Kenya's advancement in the digitization of health records to enhance data use and noted that Kenya was proud to be part of the Global Financing Facility, which has worked quite well so far. He, however, challenged the institution to re-engineer some of its processes to enhance stakeholder cohesiveness and become more action-oriented in implementing decisions. To fast-track actions, the PS called for the initiation of a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) framework. He also urged for the swift translation of policies to support devolved units in aligning their goals with national priorities. He further observed that the global financing landscape has shifted fundamentally and called for a rethinking of strategies and the adoption of scalable innovations to keep up with the changes. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Ouma Oluga Applauds Progress in Equipping Health Facilities Under the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP)
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, today commended the ongoing efforts to strengthen health service delivery through the National Equipment Service Programme (NESP), a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors. Dr. Oluga received a progress update from the NESP Implementation Committee, led by Dr. Isaac Kimani, detailing current interventions to equip public health facilities with modern medical technologies. The multi-agency team, comprising officers from the Ministry and the Council of Governors, is driving the programme's rollout across counties to support the delivery of quality health services. The Principal Secretary appreciated the team's commitment and support, noting that the programme is instrumental in accelerating Kenya's journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC). He reaffirmed the Ministry's focus on providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality health services for all Kenyans. 'Equipping our health facilities with the right tools is a cornerstone of effective care. This is how we build a responsive, resilient health system,' said Dr. Oluga. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Ministry of Health and Kenya Health Care Federation Explore Private Sector Collaboration in Health System Sustainability
A delegation from the Kenya Health Care Federation (KHF), led by CEO Dr. Tim Theuri, today held talks with the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, to explore opportunities for collaboration in strengthening Kenya's health system. The meeting focused on how the private sector can support the government in bridging critical gaps in logistics, funding, and health commodities. The delegation expressed readiness to partner with the Ministry of Health in key areas such as the commodities supply chain, logistics, and health care financing. Dr. Oluga welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed the government's commitment to building a self-reliant and sustainable health sector. He acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in complementing government efforts, particularly in enhancing access to affordable, accessible, and quality health care. 'The Ministry is exploring mechanisms to create a resilient and sustainable health system,' said Dr. Oluga. 'Partnerships with the private sector are essential in ensuring continuity and improved efficiency in service delivery.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
11-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya Launches Kidney Transplant Services at Kenya University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) with Two Successful Surgeries
The Kenya University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) successfully performed its first two kidney transplant surgeries on 7th and 8th May 2025. Both recipients and donors are recovering well post-surgery. The official launch of the kidney transplant services was marked by a press briefing led by the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga today, who commended the KUTRRH team for the milestone. He was joined by the Acting CEO, Ms. Zeinab Gura, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Senator Kembi Gitura. Over the past three years, KUTRRH has been working to establish a renal transplant centre. This has included training staff at Apollo Hospital in India, acquiring specialized equipment, and building collaborative partnerships. The surgeries were carried out in partnership with a team of kidney specialists from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), who will continue to provide mentorship as the hospital builds internal capacity. One donor-recipient pair is already prepared for the next transplant, and eight additional pairs are undergoing evaluation at the transplant clinic. The surgeries were supported through the Social Health Authority (SHA), reducing the financial burden on patients and enhancing access to specialized kidney care in line with the country's Universal Health Coverage goals. This development positions KUTRRH as a growing centre for renal care services in Kenya. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
