Kenya Takes Major Step Towards Digital Health Transformation with New Regulations
Digital health innovations are poised to transform the healthcare landscape in Kenya, and today, Cabinet Secretary Hon Aden Duale EGH, led an important discussion with the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Hon. Samuel Chepkonga, on the Digital Health Regulations 2025. The meeting, held at a Kiambu Hotel, focused on the regulations currently at the prepublication stage.
The proposed regulations aim to establish a robust framework for digital health services, facilitating the registration of patients, tracking of health records, and streamlining healthcare processes. By implementing these regulations, Kenya is poised to accelerate its progress in addressing health priorities in alignment with major national development frameworks, such as Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), where healthcare is a critical focus.
Hon. Duale highlighted that these regulations are part of the government's broader efforts to improve healthcare access, making services more affordable, high-quality, and financially sustainable for all Kenyans. He also expressed confidence that the regulations would combat healthcare fraud and address the growing issue of unqualified medical practitioners.
The meeting also saw the participation of key officials, including Medical Services PS Mr. Harry Kimtai, Acting CEO of the Digital Health Agency (DHA) Mr. Anthony Lenaiyara, Senior Counsel Ms. Edith Torome, and other Ministry representatives.
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
13-06-2025
- Zawya
Charting a value-driven healthcare future: BD Saudi Arabia's GM on local impact, innovation, and Vision 2030
In a candid conversation with Saudi Gazette, Omar Malabarey, newly appointed Country General Manager for Becton Dickinson in Saudi Arabia, shares his vision for the company's role in the Kingdom's fast-evolving healthcare sector. With decades of experience across public and private healthcare, Malabarey discusses BD's commitment to local talent development, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships aligned with Vision 2030. Q: Congratulations on your appointment as General Manager of BD in Saudi Arabia. Can you share your journey leading to this role and what it means to you? A: My journey in healthcare has been both dynamic and fulfilling. I graduated in Radiological Sciences from the University of Wales (UK)and began my career as a radiology technologist at a Military hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following a decade in public healthcare, I transitioned to the corporate sector, where I held several senior leadership roles in digital health services. My journey then took me to the Ministry of Investment (formerly SAGIA), where I was the managing director for healthcare investment and promotion efforts responsible of medical devices , medical services , digital health and pharmaceutical investments . Before joining BD, I held the role of Chief commercial officer (CCO)at the National Unified Procurement Company) NUPCO. Stepping into this role at BD is a natural continuation of my mission to enhance the healthcare ecosystem system in KSA. BD has a legacy of innovation in medical technology, and I am honoured to lead its efforts in Saudi Arabia to drive impactful healthcare transformation. Q: What are your immediate priorities as you take on this role? A: My priorities span both internal and external objectives. Internally, I am focused on fostering a strong, collaborative workplace culture. A key priority is to establish BD as an employer of choice in Saudi Arabia, attracting and retaining top local talent while ensuring alignment with the Kingdom's Saudization initiatives. Externally, my goal is to strengthen BD's presence and visibility in the Saudi market. While BD products are widely recognized, our corporate brand needs greater prominence among healthcare stakeholders. I want to position BD as not just a provider of high-quality medical technology but also as a key partner in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. Our focus is on value-driven healthcare—delivering not just products but comprehensive solutions, education, and best practices that enhance patient outcomes. A strong part of my role will be pursue rolling out our Signature Programmes™ in Saudi Arabia, which focus on three critical areas: Patient Safety, Healthcare Worker Safety, and Healthcare Efficiency. These initiatives are designed to enhance infection control, improve hospital workflows, and to help ensure the safety of both patients and medical professionals. Through these programmes, BD is helping hospitals and healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia implement best practices that drive meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. Q: Why is Saudi Arabia a strategic market for BD, and how does the company align with Vision 2030? A: Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid and ambitious healthcare transformation under the leadership of the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman and HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vision 2030's Health Sector Transformation Program aims to create a world-class healthcare system that is efficient, patient-centric, and digitally advanced. BD is fully aligned with this vision. We are not just a medical technology provider but a healthcare solutions partner, committed to driving innovation, education, and collaboration. Our focus is on automation, digital health solutions, and value-based procurement, all of which contribute to making healthcare more efficient and accessible. Saudi Arabia's commitment to digitalization is unmatched. It is the leading nation in digitization, and we see this reflected in healthcare. BD is supporting this shift by introducing smart medication management systems and robotics to enhance pharmacy automation, reduce human error, and improve patient care. Q: BD has several initiatives in Saudi Arabia. Can you highlight some of the key programs and investments? A: Certainly. BD has evolved from a scientific office to a full commercial entity in Saudi Arabia, employing approximately 170 professionals and working alongside seven strategic distributors. Our commitment to Saudization is strong, and we continue to develop local talent in line with national workforce initiatives. One of our most exciting developments is the BD Training Center in Riyadh, which officially launched in April this year. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for healthcare professionals, providing hands-on training on BD's medical technologies, best practices, and clinical applications. It will also support technical training for engineers, ensuring seamless device maintenance and optimization. Recently, we also hosted our inaugural BD Healthcare Summit in Riyadh under the theme 'Embracing a Value Driven Future,' bringing together healthcare leaders to explore how AI, automation, and workforce empowerment can drive better outcomes in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Additionally, BD has established a Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing our commitment to regional operations and market expansion. On the collaboration front, we have signed an MoU with STC to explore digital health solutions and are in discussions with multiplekey players to drive healthcare innovation. We also have an ongoing partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, focusing on enhancing nursing education and clinical competency. Q: What are some of the new technologies BD is bringing to Saudi Arabia? A: Saudi Arabia is embracing cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and BD is at the forefront of this transformation. One of our key areas of focus is medication management systems and robotics, which optimize pharmacy automation, helping to ensure precise and efficient medication dispensing. These technologies not only enhance patient safety but also improve workflow efficiency in hospitals and pharmacies. We are also expanding our digital health solutions, aligning with Saudi Arabia's drive for smart healthcare systems. Our goal is to integrate automation, data-driven healthcare, and AI-supported medical technologies that elevate patient care standards. Q: Are there any partnerships or collaborations BD is working on in Saudi Arabia? A: Yes, partnerships are a key pillar of BD's strategy in Saudi Arabia. We have collaborated with Al Mujtamaa Pharmacy, making it the first digitally enabled pharmacy in Saudi Arabia using BD's advanced technology solutions. Additionally, BD has signed an MoU with STC, with further partnerships in discussion with Mobily and others toadvance digital healthcare and supply chain efficiency. A notable collaboration is our partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, which focuses on continuous education and professional development for nurses across the Kingdom. This initiative underscores BD's commitment to capacity-building in the healthcare workforce. Q: What key trends do you see shaping the future of the Saudi healthcare sector, and how is BD contributing? A: The Saudi healthcare sector is moving toward value-based healthcare and value-based procurement models, where hospitals and institutions prioritize quality outcomes over mere cost efficiency. BD is actively engaging in this transition, particularly in laboratory solutions and diagnostics. Another major trend is digital transformation, where automation and data analytics are playing a pivotal role in improving healthcare services. BD is driving innovation in pharmacy automation, digital medication management, and clinical diagnostics to support this shift. Additionally, we see a strong push toward local manufacturing and public-private partnerships, and BD is keen to explore opportunities that align with these national priorities. Q: As a leader, what is your vision for BD's role in Saudi Arabia? A: My vision is clear: BD is here to stay and to lead. We are not just another healthcare technology provider; we are a long-term partner in Saudi Arabia's healthcare journey. Our role extends beyond revenue growth—we are committed to delivering value to patients, healthcare professionals, and the government. BD will continue to support innovation, drive medical education, and contribute to the national healthcare transformation through strategic partnerships and advanced solutions. A major part of this commitment is our focus on our Signature Programmes™, which align with the Kingdom's healthcare objectives. Through our investments, workforce development, and collaborations, BD is reinforcing its position as a trusted healthcare enabler in the Kingdom. Q: Any final thoughts or messages you'd like to share? A: I want to emphasize that BD's mission in Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in improving patient care and healthcare efficiency. We are here not just to provide medical devices but to transform the healthcare experience, ensuring better outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals alike. Innovation is at the heart of BD, and we will continue to introduce cutting-edge technologies and best practices that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Our training center, our partnerships, and our digital health initiatives all reflect BD's dedication to making a meaningful impact in Saudi Arabia's healthcare landscape. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Zawya
Kenya: Cabinet Secretary (CS) Hon. Aden Duale Briefs Parliament on Social Health Insurance Tariff Regulations at Bunge Towers
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Ainabkoi MP Hon. Samuel Chepkonga, to discuss the Social Health Insurance (Tariffs for Healthcare Services) Regulations, 2025 (Legal Notice No. 56 of 2025). The session was held at Bunge Towers, Nairobi. During the engagement, Hon. Duale provided a comprehensive briefing on the scope of services covered under the tariff structure, anchored on the three key health funds established under the Social Health Authority: Primary Health Care Fund – Supports access to preventive and basic healthcare services, with a focus on community-level interventions, disease prevention, and health education. Social Health Insurance Fund – Provides coverage for essential medical services, targeting routine and necessary treatments to ensure members receive comprehensive healthcare. Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illnesses Fund – Offers financial protection for high-cost and urgent medical needs, including long-term and specialised care. The CS also explained the use of means testing during SHA registration to determine eligibility for government support based on income and assets. He highlighted the Lipa SHA Pole Pole initiative—an instalment-based contribution model—and the planned shift from monthly to annual payment cycles to enhance flexibility and compliance. Hon. Duale reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to good governance, transparency, and robust public participation in the formulation of statutory instruments, in line with the Statutory Instruments Act, Cap. 2A. He was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Social Health Authority CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
02-06-2025
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia's health sector sees 145% surge in beneficiaries in 2024
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Health Sector Transformation Report for 2024 has revealed substantial improvements in the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare services, aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives. According to the report, more than 33 million individuals benefited from the services and pathways of the Saudi healthcare model by the end of 2024 — a 145% increase compared to the previous year. The integrated model is designed to deliver tailored, comprehensive healthcare that meets the varying health and age-related needs of the population. Patient satisfaction with medical services reached 83.38%, reflecting enhanced service integration and overall improvement in healthcare delivery across the Kingdom's regions. Insurance coverage also saw significant growth, with over 13 million beneficiaries now accessing health services through insurance schemes, supporting greater equity and access across different segments of society. On the workforce front, the report highlighted that more than 30,000 individuals have graduated from Saudi Board programs since their inception. The number of Board seats increased by 71% compared to 2021, underscoring the Kingdom's commitment to empowering national healthcare professionals and sustaining the sector. Saudi Arabia also led the region in promoting healthy living environments. In 2024, 16 cities were designated as 'healthy cities' in line with World Health Organization standards — the highest number in the region. These designations aim to improve quality of life and support healthier lifestyles across urban centers. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
