Incoming Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department of Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has officially taken over the reins from the outgoing PS Harry Kimtai.
Speaking during the handover, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale stated that the reshuffle is not only about changing leadership but also for continuity, progress and a renewed commitment to the values that guide services to the people of Kenya within the health sector.
He expressed his gratitude to the outgoing PS for his distinguished service and unwavering dedication, stating that “Your leadership has provided stability and direction at a time when we face very critical reforms in our health sector.”
Referring to Chapter 10 of the Constitution, Duale emphasized the need to build trust with the Kenyan people whom they serve.
“We must continue to uphold our values in everything we do, from policy implementation to financial management, from human resource deployment to service delivery at the grassroots,” said Duale.
Duale observed that Dr Oluga is a seasoned medical professional and an advocate for health systems who has brought a very unique blend of technical expertise and frontline experience, adding that his leadership has come at a time when the ministry is deeply focused on delivering Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the operationalisation and implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The CS urged the Ministry of Health officials to continue working with commitment and unity of purpose and to support the leadership transition with the same professionalism and patriotism.
The outgoing PS Kimtai in his departure remarks stated that during his tenure, several projects have taken place including the legal reforms that were inevitable to start the Universal Healthcare Coverage.
Acknowledging his colleague’s teamwork and dedication, he noted that the Universal Health Care Act, Primary Health Care Act, Facility Improvement Act, Digital Health Agency Act and Social Health Insurance Act reforms are mostly in a stable condition.
Addressing critical institutions created, The Social Health Authority, driving universal health care coverage and the Digital Health Agency, he said that they have been facing challenges, thus requiring resources and support in terms of human resource instruments in order to be fully operational.
“With the coming of new leadership, the ministry will rise to a high level,” Kimtai assured.
The incoming PS Dr Ouma Oluga in his remarks said that for 13 years he has been part of the transformative journey in developing the intergovernmental participatory agreements for programs that the ministry runs.
Dr Oluga said that under the leadership of CS Duale the ministry will rebuild public trust in healthcare systems
Dr Oluga, a former Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioner Pharmacists Dentists Union (KMPDU), highlighted his belief in patriotism, professionalism, integrity, transparency, public good and sustainable development.
“We must deliver a healthy workforce that is well before we can deliver a health system that is well,” said Dr Oluga.
Dr Oluga reaffirmed his commitment to perform functions bestowed by the public service adding that he comes from a disciplined background.
By Muhati Venesa
