Nairobi:The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has emphasized the need for private healthcare providers to work closely with the government in implementing health sector reforms. These reforms aim to reduce healthcare costs, improve service quality, and strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Oluga spoke at the 5th Annual Convention of the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) in Nairobi, which focused on understanding the drivers of healthcare costs and navigating the future. He highlighted the significant role of private healthcare providers in advancing Taifa Care and Universal Health Coverage.
Dr. Oluga pointed out that the high cost of healthcare is a financial burden on many households, leading some families to organize fundraisers, sell property, or forgo treatment. He stressed that improving the quality of healthcare is essential to reducing costs, as poor quality leads to delayed diagnoses and preventable complications, which increase expenses.
Furthermore, Dr. Oluga called for private hospitals to support the implementation of various government acts, including the Social Health Insurance Act and the Digital Health Act. He noted progress in health financing reforms, with health insurance coverage rising from 26 percent to 40.3 percent in two years.
To enhance affordability, Dr. Oluga encouraged private healthcare facilities to procure medicines through the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority. He also highlighted efforts to secure competitive prices from pharmaceutical manufacturers and plans to improve pharmaceutical supply chain accountability by adopting GS1 coding standards by the end of 2026.
Dr. Oluga also emphasized the importance of digitizing health facilities and increasing investment in local manufacturing of health products to boost health security and economic growth. He noted Kenya’s progress towards meeting the World Health Organization’s pharmaceutical regulation standards.
Addressing concerns regarding claims inherited from the National Health Insurance Fund, Dr. Oluga reassured private hospitals that the government is committed to settling verified obligations, with claims below KSh 10 million already paid.
The convention was attended by notable figures including SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, KAPH Chairperson Dr. Eric Musau, and other key stakeholders from the health sector.
