The Ministry of Health, Wednesday, launched the Kenya Emergency Medical Care (EMC) Policy 2020-2030, to promote healthcare among citizens in need of emergency treatment.
Health Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Dr. Rashid Aman, said the EMC Policy is a precursor to creation of an Emergency Medical Fund as a fulfilment of the National Assembly resolution that Ministry of Health sets up an EMC Fund to assist those in emergency treatment.
“This Policy resonates with the Constitution of Kenya 2010 requirement, that no person should be denied emergency medical treatment,” said Aman, adding that the components of the emergency medical care are stipulated in the Health Act 2017 as pre-hospital care.
The implementation of the Policy focuses on priority areas such as the investment on EMC infrastructure, Emergency Command and Control Centres, Ambulance Coordination System and dispatch centres, Information and Communication Technology and strengthening leadership and governance at all levels.
According to the Ministry of Health, the Policy is a great milestone in the health sector in strengthening structures to meet the multifaceted demands for provision of efficient emergency and disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and building resilience in the health care system.
During the launch, the Ministry of Health inaugurated a National Emergency Medical Care Steering Committee that will serve for three years.
The Committee members are Dr. Francis Kuria, Dr. Laban Thiga, Ms. Mercy Mwasaru, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Dr. Benjamin Wachira, Ms. Susan Ng’ong’a, Mr. David Makan, Dr. Peter Kamunya, Ms. Khatra Ali, Ms. Eunice Wanjiku Kamau, Dr. Nollascus Ganda, Dr. Kamene Kimenye, Mr. Aaron Kimeu and Dr. Rabera Kenyanya.
The Committee will be required to among other duties, operationalize and provide oversight, establish legislation, standards and regulations, develop framework for the utilization of Emergency Medical Treatment Fund, plan and advice the Ministry on emergency medical care service provision and strategies.
Government ministries and partners support access to emergency medical care through Universal Health Coverage and NHIF framework.
By Hamdi Mohamud
