Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has called for stronger oversight from the Clinical Officers Council (COC) to ensure healthcare quality and safety, especially under the framework of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The CS’s remarks were made during a high-level meeting with the leadership of the COC, including its Chairperson, Prof. Samuel Kang’ethe, where they discussed regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening the healthcare system.
During the meeting, Hon. Duale highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations outlined in the 2023 Social Health Insurance Act, particularly Section 33(2), which mandates the COC to uphold integrity, evidence-based regulation, and transparency in the licensing and oversight of clinical officers and health facilities. The CS emphasized that the Council must only license clinical officers who have been trained in accredited institutions that have undergone proper inspection and auditing by the Council. This directive aims to safeguard the standards of training and professional practice to ensure the health and safety of the public.
Hon. Duale stressed the need for thorough re-inspections of all licensed health facilities, directing the COC to submit comprehensive reports on the findings to the Ministry of Health. This initiative is part of broader efforts to ensure that health facilities across the country maintain the highest standards of care and adhere to regulations designed to protect patients.
Additionally, the CS called for the full digitization of the COC’s systems, aligning them with the Ministry of Health’s Digital Health Strategy and the Digital Health Agency. By implementing digital tools and systems, the COC will be able to monitor and oversee health facilities more efficiently, ensuring that any cases of malpractice can be detected and addressed in real-time. This move is in line with ongoing efforts to modernize the healthcare sector and improve service delivery through technology.
Hon. Duale also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the COC in its oversight functions and efforts to implement policy reforms that will enhance the healthcare system. One of the major reforms the CS highlighted is the rollout of the Taifa Care Model, a key component of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). This model is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to all Kenyans, ensuring that everyone has access to quality care, regardless of their economic status.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, including Public Health Principal Secretary Ms. Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Acting CEO of the Digital Health Agency Mr. Anthony Lenaiyara. These leaders expressed their full support for the CS’s vision and committed to working together to enhance the country’s healthcare system.
The proposed regulatory reforms and digitization efforts are expected to bring about significant improvements in the quality of healthcare services in Kenya, ensuring that both healthcare professionals and facilities are held to the highest standards. The Ministry of Health’s collaboration with the COC and the Digital Health Agency is a crucial step toward achieving the goal of Universal Health Coverage, which remains a priority for the government in its efforts to transform the country’s healthcare sector.
With these reforms in place, the Ministry of Health is optimistic that Kenya will make significant strides toward improving healthcare access and outcomes, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of all Kenyans.
