According to Mutahi Kagwe, the health cabinet secretary, the government is dedicated to increasing access to healthcare while putting a premium on quality and lowering prices.
The health CS stated that the government, through the ministry of health, has prioritized fostering and protecting the well-being of individuals, families, and communities in remarks made at the inauguration of the boards of directors of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board, National Health Insurance Fund, and Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority in Malindi.
“Health is a basic human right and a catalyst for socioeconomic advancement. In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, the National Government, led by His Excellency President, Uhuru Kenyatta, has identified universal health coverage as a top priority for the nation.
My Ministry is fully committed to achieving these admirable aspirations of our people. The health CS said.
He issued a challenge to the newly installed boards, encouraging them to embrace technology and work to achieve the highest standards in accordance with international best practices.
“Conceptual talents as opposed to merely technical skills are what we are discussing here. The standards we have must take into account nonclinical elements that matter, said Kagwe.
According to Kagwe, the government is prepared to enhance health results based on the fundamental principles of human rights, equality, freedom, democracy, social justice, and the rule of law. Health is still a significant economic driver.
According to him, the ministry is prepared to provide assistance to ensure that the three newly established boards carry out their various duties as the nation gets ready to be evaluated by the World Health Organization in order to receive accreditation to maturity level 3.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board, which was among those launched on Friday, is now closer to meeting the necessary criteria for certification as a result of the recent release of six statutory instruments.
The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has a significant duty to control the practice of pharmacy as well as the production and trade of medications and poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, Chapter 244 of the Laws of Kenya.
Dr. Rodgers Atebe will serve as the Board’s chair, while Dr. Fred Siyoi will serve as the CEO. Members include Muleli Mutuku, Dr. Paul Magutu Njaria, Dr. John Munguti Kisengi, Dorcas Wanjiru Ngechu, Miriam Wairimu Ndirangu, Stephens Ogutu Oyaya, and Dr. Diana Marion.
The health CS stated that the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority is expected to institutionalize norms through the adoption of parameters that would discourage their individualization when launching the organization.
Dr. Amit N. Thakker, the board’s head, Manaseh Bocha, Eunice Njeri Tole, Meboh Abuor, Irina Moraa Ogamba, Elyas Sheikh Abdinoor, and Mariam Adam are all members of the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority.
The CEO of the authority is Dr. Jackson Kioko.
The provision of ethical and high-quality healthcare services to the general public will be ensured, as well as the establishment of appropriate structures for healthcare delivery, the protection of procedures that guarantee good quality, and the assessment of patient outcomes in ways that facilitate improvement.
In addition, the health CS launched the NHIF board, which is crucial to government attempts to achieve Universal Health Coverage by pooling risks and resources to provide financial security to its beneficiaries.
The new NHIF board will be led by Hon. Lewis Nguyai. Dominic Ndegwa, Albert Obed Njeru, Michael Kahiti, Andrew W. Onyino, Dr. Silpah Owich, and Dr. Isabella Maina are more members.
The fund’s CEO and secretary to the board is Dr. Peter Kamunyo. Distributed on behalf of the Kenyan Ministry of Health by APO Group.