Latest news with #SocialHealthAuthority
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Kenya: Ministry of Health and Roche Partner to Cut Breast Cancer Treatment Costs by Two-Thirds
Breast cancer patients in Kenya are set to benefit from a major cost reduction in treatment, with sessions expected to drop from KES 120,000 to KES 40,000 following a landmark partnership between the Ministry of Health and Roche East Africa. Presiding over the event, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale officially launched the collaboration between the Ministry—through the Social Health Authority (SHA)—and Roche East Africa. This partnership aims to strengthen financial protection for patients battling cancer, one of Kenya's leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in line with the country's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a bold step toward improving access to affordable, quality cancer care, particularly for breast cancer patients. Under the agreement, the cost per treatment session is capped at KES 40,000, with no co-payment required from patients. The partnership will be rolled out across all SHA-contracted facilities—including public, faith-based, and private hospitals—ensuring equitable access to care. Key components of the collaboration include: Enhanced access to essential cancer medicines and diagnostics Capacity-building and training for healthcare workers in breast and cervical cancer management Expanded screening and early detection efforts to support timely intervention and better health outcomes In his remarks, Hon. Duale reiterated the Ministry's commitment to transforming Kenya's health system, highlighting ongoing reforms such as the rollout of digital health tools to combat counterfeit medicines and unqualified practitioners. 'This partnership is not only about reducing treatment costs; it's about saving lives, promoting equity, and reinforcing the integrity of our healthcare system,' said the Cabinet Secretary. The event was attended by a high-level delegation led by Roche East Africa General Manager Ms. Jacqueline Wambua. Also present were Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Ms. Mary Muthoni, SHA Chairperson Dr. Abdi Mohamed, Acting SHA CEO Mr. Robert Ingasira, Pharmacy and Poisons Board CEO Dr. Fred Siyoi, and KMPDC CEO Dr. David Kariuki. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale Visits Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) to Fast-Track Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Rollout and Celebrate Nurses' Contribution to Milestone Surgeries
As part of efforts to strengthen the health sector under Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today visited Kenyatta University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital (KUTRRH) to assess progress in accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Hosted by the hospital's Board of Directors, chaired by Sen. Kembi Gitura, Hon. Duale held a consultative meeting with the hospital's senior management, where he received a briefing on key services offered and performance updates under the Social Health Authority (SHA) compared to the former NHIF scheme. The updates highlighted adjustments in coverage rates, including open-heart surgery now at Ksh 952,000 under SHA from Ksh 450,000, dialysis rising from Ksh 9,500 to Ksh 10,650 per session, and PET/SPECT scans increasing from Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 53,500. The CS toured key departments including the Cancer Centre Annex, Chemotherapy Unit, CyberKnife, and Transplant ICU, and was briefed on the facility's achievements and challenges. The hospital management appealed for increased government support to operationalize the New Cancer Centre, requesting an expanded budget from Ksh 100 million to Ksh 250 million, acquisition of an additional LINAC machine, strengthened referral policies, and timely SHA reimbursements—all critical to enhancing service delivery under the Taifa Care Model. Commending KUTRRH for milestones such as the successful completion of its first two kidney transplants, Hon. Duale urged the management to accelerate UHC implementation, maintain high standards of professionalism, and intensify efforts to mobilize patients and communities for SHA registration. Crowning the International Nurses Week 2025,the CS was honored to handover certificates to the nurses that facilitated the first two successful kidney transplant surgeries aligned with ethics and procedures as required by the law. He reiterated the Ministry's support and called for strict adherence to integrity, accountability, and compliance with legal requirements in staffing, procurement, and financial management. The CS was accompanied by Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Head of Nursing and Midwifery Services Dr. Judith Awinja, and KUTRRH CEO Dr. Zeinab Gura, Deputy Director Clinical Services Dr. Onyimbo Kerama among other senior officials. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Ministry of Health Commits to Ensure All Inmates Enroll in Social Health Authority
The Ministry of Health has committed to ensuring that all inmates across the country are registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), facilitating access to medical services when needed. Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, emphasized that this initiative will help inmates receive timely healthcare, particularly when they fall ill. He highlighted that access to affordable and quality healthcare is a crucial aspect of the bottom-up economic model. Dr. Oluga made the announcement during the official launch of the Social Health Authority and identification card registration at Lang'ata Women Prison. He stressed the importance of registration, noting, 'If you have not registered, you are denying yourself a chance to access health services at any facility across the country.' Also in attendance were Dr. Salome Muhia, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Correctional Services, Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary for Immigration and Citizen Services, and Ms. Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, along with other state officers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Health Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Ouma Oluga Commends Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital's (MTRH) Role in Advancing Universal Health Coverage
Principal Secretary for Medical Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ouma Oluga, made his inaugural visit to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) on 28th April 2025 to assess service delivery and progress towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). During the visit, Dr. Oluga commended MTRH for its leadership in providing specialized healthcare services, training, and research. He noted that the hospital treats over 1.5 million patients annually, performs more than 60,000 surgeries, and conducts over 2 million laboratory tests, positioning it among the most important health institutions in the country. Touring key facilities including the Radiotherapy Centre, Renal Centre, Catheterisation Laboratory (Cathlab), and specialized MRI services, Dr. Oluga praised the hospital's efforts to expand access to advanced medical care within the region. He lauded MTRH's partnerships with international institutions in North America and Europe, which continue to strengthen its clinical and research capacities. Dr. Oluga also highlighted the hospital's successful integration of the Social Health Authority (SHA) model, which has improved insurance processing and patient access to care. Emphasizing the Ministry's focus on strengthening healthcare delivery, Dr. Oluga called for enhanced collaboration between referral hospitals and county health facilities. He noted that reducing patient congestion at MTRH requires building capacity in county hospitals to manage non-critical cases locally. 'There are three critical pillars in the health sector: restoring public trust, upholding integrity, and delivering quality services,' said Dr. Oluga. 'Every health worker must understand their role in delivering efficient and dignified care.' The Principal Secretary was received by MTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Philip Kirwa, Board Members, and senior management. He was accompanied by Mr. Douglas Bosire, Acting CEO of the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council, and Ms. Agnes Tuiyot, representing the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority. MTRH serves patients from 27 counties in Western Kenya, supporting a population of over 25 million people. Dr. Oluga affirmed the Ministry's commitment to supporting institutions like MTRH in delivering on the government's healthcare agenda. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale Urges Kenyans to Enroll in New Social Health Authority Scheme
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has called on Kenyans to register in large numbers under the new Social Health Authority (SHA) to access universal health coverage. Speaking at a fundraising event for Harhosa Mixed Day Secondary School at Moyale Baraza Park in Marsabit County, Hon. Duale emphasized that the SHA system allows individuals to register up to four wives and an unlimited number of children, provided they can prove dependency. Hon. Duale noted that SHA provides comprehensive coverage for all Kenyans, a significant improvement over the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which was primarily designed for employed citizens. He stressed that the shift towards a more inclusive model is essential to ensure every Kenyan can access affordable healthcare services, regardless of their employment status. He also criticized opponents of the SHA reforms, describing them as cartels who previously exploited loopholes within the NHIF for fraudulent gains. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
