Latest news with #UniversalHealthCoverage
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Kenya: Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Duale, United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner Wigan Discuss Strengthening Health Collaboration
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale today held discussions with British High Commissioner H.E. Neil Wigan at Afya House, Nairobi, reaffirming the strong partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom in responding to Kenya's evolving health needs. The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, including emerging infectious diseases, the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, and regional disparities in maternal and child health; challenges that require joint innovation and global solidarity. The two leaders explored opportunities for deeper collaboration aligned with the government's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) priorities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Areas of engagement include health workforce development, health systems strengthening, research and innovation, public health and disease surveillance, and engagement with the diaspora and public sector. CS Duale expressed Kenya's appreciation for the UK's longstanding support to the health sector, noting that the strengthened partnership will enhance health commodity security, support the expansion of financial risk protection, and promote the use of digital innovations in healthcare delivery. Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni, was also present at the meeting. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
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Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Aiims Delhi could expand footprint across NCR under new NITI Aayog plan
In a bid to ease pressure on the overstretched medical infrastructure at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (Aiims), Delhi, the NITI Aayog is likely to propose a comprehensive revamp of the institute, according to a news report by The Economic Times. This includes a significant expansion aimed at enabling the institute to deliver clinical services across multiple locations within the National Capital Region (NCR). A report outlining short-term, medium-term, and long-term policy measures is anticipated to be submitted to the Ministry of Health in the latter half of this year. The objective is to ease the burden on existing infrastructure and allow doctors to dedicate more time to medical research, The Economic Times quoted a government official as saying. Utilisation of existing infrastructure The committee is considering the use of underutilised or unutilised facilities in other government hospitals and potentially even private hospitals for running Aiims ' outpatient department (OPD). The move aims to allow the premier healthcare institution to focus on critical and trauma-related cases, while also reducing waiting times for other essential medical procedures, the report noted. A committee led by NITI Aayog member VK Paul is examining the existing systems and processes at the AIIMS. It is expected to produce a detailed blueprint of the proposed reforms soon, complete with defined timelines for implementation, to elevate the healthcare services at Aiims to meet international standards. The Terms of Reference for the reform include identifying ways to streamline patient inflow, developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure optimal research outcomes, and recommending strategies for financial prudence in managing Aiims. In collaboration with the Centre for Social and Economic Progress Research Foundation, NITI Aayog has analysed the experiences of various countries that have implemented Universal Health Coverage (UHC) models. These findings are intended to inform India's policy development in this domain. Support for rare disease treatment Earlier, the public policy think tank had recommended fast-tracking indigenously manufactured dosage forms (small molecules) for selected rare diseases. As a part of this initiative, four drugs have been introduced at prices significantly lower – ranging from 1/60th to 1/100th – than their imported counterparts. Separate law to tackle public health crises Last year, NITI Aayog had recommended a separate legislation, the Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA), to effectively manage disease outbreaks and pandemics. This proposal is part of the broader Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response (PPER) framework, which aims to establish a comprehensive roadmap and action plan to tackle any future public health emergencies.
Zawya
05-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Duale Reaffirms Support for Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), Warns Against Unregulated Health Courses
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has reaffirmed the Ministry of Health's full support for the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), while issuing a strong caution against the unchecked expansion of health-related courses across the country. Speaking during the official opening of the 8th Biennial KMTC Scientific Conference at the institution's headquarters in Nairobi, Hon. Duale stressed that KMTC must remain a centre of excellence focused on producing competent, service-ready professionals. 'KMTC will not offer credentials without competence,' said the Cabinet Secretary. 'We will not allow institutions to become part of the problem. All training programmes must be aligned to the evolving needs of public health in Kenya.' The conference, themed 'Advancing Equity in a Rapidly Changing Environment,' convened stakeholders from the health sector, academia, and research institutions to share innovations and strategies for improving health training and service delivery. The forum is a critical platform in Kenya's ongoing efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This was Hon. Duale's inaugural visit to KMTC since assuming office as Health Cabinet Secretary. During a consultative meeting with the Board and senior management, he underscored the need for accountability, transparency, and integrity in the training of the country's health workforce. He urged KMTC leadership to continuously review and align course offerings to national health priorities. As part of the visit, Hon. Duale flagged off five double cabin vehicles to be distributed across five KMTC campuses. The vehicles are expected to ease student access to clinical training sites, enhance supervision, and support community-based service delivery. Hon. Duale was hosted by KMTC Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah Cheruiyot, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch, and Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
04-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Kenya: Duale Calls for Stronger Governance in National Referral Hospitals during Kenyatta National Hospital Visit
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has called for enhanced leadership and accountability in national referral hospitals, emphasizing the need for governance standards that reflect the vital roles these institutions play in delivering quality healthcare. Speaking during his visit to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the CS reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the facility's mandate and addressing any service delivery challenges. This follows recent public conversations and media coverage highlighting issues at KNH. Hon. Duale praised KNH's decades of leadership in specialized care, citing landmark achievements such as Kenya's first laparoscopic kidney resection and intrauterine fetal transfusion, as well as the hospital's groundbreaking role in performing the world's first transhumeral total shoulder replacement (TSR) surgery. He noted that such milestones position Kenya as a global leader in medical innovation and underscore the government's resolve to advance Universal Health Coverage through the Social Health Insurance (SHI) scheme. During his tour of key departments—including the cancer treatment centre, radiotherapy bunker, and the site of a government-funded oxygen-generating plant under construction—the CS encouraged county governments to continue strengthening their referral and primary healthcare systems to ease patient congestion at KNH. He further urged development partners to support KNH's growth in areas such as equipment modernization, digital transformation, training, and research, noting that the hospital remains a critical hub for tertiary care and health innovation in the country. The CS was hosted by the KNH leadership team led by Board Chair Dr. Samier Muravvej and Acting CEO Dr. William Sigilai. He was joined by the Medical Service Prinicipal Secretary Dr Ouma Okunga, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, Acting CEO of Kenya's Digital Health Agency. Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Health. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dr. Mercy Mwangangi Takes Office as State Health Agency (SHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Ouma Oluga Calls for Excellence in Service Delivery
Dr. Mercy Mwangangi has officially assumed office as the Chief Executive Officer of the State Health Agency (SHA), succeeding Dr. Robert Ingasira, who served in an acting capacity. The handover ceremony was officiated by the State Department for Medical Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Ouma Oluga. Dr. Oluga urged the agency to provide a strong framework that advances improved health outcomes, including the right to health and Universal Health Coverage. He also emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of discipline, hard work, and prioritizing exemplary service delivery. The Principal Secretary pledged full support to SHA to ensure the successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.
