Health Cabinet Secretary Calls for Tightened Oversight in Kenya’s Health Sector
Busia, Kenya – Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has called upon regional governors to address and rectify existing loopholes within Kenya’s health sector. These gaps, she pointed out, have been significantly undermining the quality of services in numerous healthcare facilities across the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, who spoke in Busia following an inspection tour of local health facilities, the problem persists despite the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) providing necessary medical drugs. A notable issue she highlighted was the lack of essential pharmaceutical supplies in many health institutions.
Nakhumicha expressed concerns over the historical manipulation of the health sector by cartels, particularly within KEMSA and the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) schemes. “Health sector for many years has been hijacked by cartels who controlled the KEMSA and NHIF scheme. We must remain vigilant if we want to restore order in the sector,” said Nakhumicha. The Cabinet Secretary emphasized her commitment to dismantling these cartels in the Ministry of Health, amidst ongoing disputes regarding governmental and stakeholder reforms.
The Cabinet Secretary also mentioned the challenges posed by certain parties in the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) plan. “We are aware of cartels sponsoring court cases to derail the Universal Health Care (UHC) plan, but the government is up to the task to ensure success of the program,” she added. These remarks were made after her meeting with Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in Busia, where she evaluated the progress of the UHC program.
Nakhumicha confirmed the distribution of health kits to CHPs, emphasizing the government’s focus on preventive rather than curative care. She assured that all CHPs had received their kits and necessary training, reaffirming the government’s dedication to the welfare of these community health workers.
A significant part of the health sector reform, as noted by the Cabinet Secretary, involves the transformation of NHIF into the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). She was firm in her stance against any opposition to these reforms, attributing resistance to parties benefitting from corruption within the Ministry of Health.
Nakhumicha raised concerns about fraudulent activities, citing instances where private hospitals, some of which are allegedly behind legal challenges to UHC, have made exorbitant claims for surgeries. These claims often surpass those of major government health facilities like Kenyatta and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospitals. She expressed shock over a small hospital that claimed over Sh1 billion for surgeries in one year, despite lacking the necessary equipment and staffing to justify such costs.
The Cabinet Secretary also addressed issues within the Busia county health department, calling for the return of smartphones designated for CHPs but reportedly missing. The department has faced prolonged challenges, including disputes between medical staff and county executives, adversely affecting healthcare services for local residents.