The outgoing Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health Deborah Barasa, has formally handed over the docket to her successor, former CS Environment and Climate Change Aden Duale.
Duale takes over the Ministry amid challenges being experienced in the health sector including the disputed Social Health Insurance Fund model and delayed payments of doctors in government hospitals.
Making her departure remarks CS Barasa stated that over the past eight months, the Ministry has navigated unprecedented challenges and celebrated transformative milestones at the same time enduring the pangs of crucial teething challenges, particularly in onboarding the new and all-inclusive Social Health Authority (SHA).
Barasa reported an overall 163 percent increase in social health insurance membership with the current registration standing at 21 million up from eight million that had registered with the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), saying that the total collection of the Social Health Authority stands currently upwards of Sh31.6 billion.
She mentioned that so far, the office has settled claims to the tune of Sh24 billion and a further Sh21 billion under the primary health care ensuring an expanded access to social health insurance with 13 million additional Kenyans covered.
Regarding continued funding of the Ministry’s programs in the wake of withdrawal of USAID support, the CS said that they have considered alternative ways of keeping the healthcare system well-oiled to continue serving the people.
As she leaves Barasa extended her appreciation to President William Ruto stating that she is truly indebted to him for entrusting her with the privilege to serve the nation as the CS for Health.
She also acknowledged her team at the Ministry, for being part of her support system admitting that without them she would not have figured out her way around the Ministry. “The future can only get better,” she affirmed.
Making his remarks Duale acknowledged the Ministry’s progress and commended the work that has been done under the leadership of Dr Barasa.
He reassured that he will continue pushing further in bold steps towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Talking about SHA, Duale promised to champion what will make the health system work under the whole government and whole society approach.
He promised to remove obstacles and space for progress by instilling integrity, good governance in the Ministry’s body.
The new health CS stated his commitment in opening up the space for health workers to do their job, for communities to be served, and for the Kenyan health system to finally deliver.
Duale highlighted his strong commitment to maternal health and strengthening the Ministry’s capacity to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases.
He emphasized that the health of the Kenyan people is not negotiable and that every man, woman and child in the country deserves access to world-class health care, which puts the patient at the heart of the system.
“This is not a government promise, it is a constitutional right and it is our moral responsibility,” said Duale.
By Vanessa Muhati and Jesee Otieno
