Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Health to address a petition submitted by the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU). The petition raised concerns over non-compliance with the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and the failure of the Social Health Authority (SHA) to remit the 2.75% statutory deductions, which are intended for public health insurance coverage.
The meeting, which was held at Bunge Towers in Nairobi, was chaired by Mandera Senator Ms. Mariam Sheikh. During the session, Hon. Duale emphasized the importance of human resources for health in achieving the successful implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kenya. He assured the committee of the Ministry of Health’s commitment to resolving the issues raised by the union, stating that the Ministry is dedicated to engaging all relevant stakeholders to find solutions.
Hon. Duale acknowledged the concerns about the non-remittance of the statutory deductions and assured the committee that measures would be taken to address this issue. He stressed that the Ministry was working within the fiscal limits of the national budget to implement sustainable reforms. The CS also highlighted the role of the SHA in the new health financing model, noting that it is crucial to the success of the country’s healthcare system.
One of the significant issues raised by the KMPDU was the challenge posed by unqualified health practitioners who are operating illegally within the sector. Hon. Duale expressed his firm commitment to addressing this challenge by enforcing regulations more strictly. He assured the committee that the Ministry of Health would take decisive action against such practitioners to safeguard the quality of healthcare services in Kenya. The CS also emphasized the need for continued collaboration with various stakeholders, including professional bodies, to ensure that standards are upheld across the sector.
In addition to the petition issues, Hon. Duale shared details about the Ministry’s plans to roll out sensitization programs across counties, starting next month. These programs will aim to enhance public awareness of the SHA and its role in the new health financing model. The CS stressed the importance of public education in empowering citizens to understand and participate in the health insurance system, which is a critical component of UHC.
The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Principal Secretaries Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards) and Mr. Harry Kimtai (Medical Services), as well as the Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth. Additionally, a delegation from the Council of Governors (CoG) was present, led by Nyeri Governor H.E. Mutahi Kahiga, who also serves as the CoG Vice Chairperson. Mr. Richard Obiga, Assistant Director at the State Department for Social Protection and Citizen Affairs, was also in attendance.
The discussion during the session highlighted the critical need for reform and collaboration in Kenya’s healthcare sector. With the commitment of the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors, and various stakeholders, the government is working towards addressing the challenges in the healthcare system. These efforts aim to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services, as the country continues its journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage. The implementation of the new health financing model, alongside efforts to tackle illegal practices in the sector, represents a step toward building a more resilient healthcare system in Kenya.
