The Kenya Association of Muslim Medical Professionals (KAMMP) has called for a strategic and well-planned rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), emphasizing its potential to address the persistent challenges in the healthcare sector. Speaking during the 6th KAMMP conference in Mombasa, the association’s president, Dr. Ahmed Twahir, acknowledged that while the SHA scheme has encountered initial hurdles, it holds significant promise for enhancing healthcare delivery and accessibility for all Kenyans.
Dr. Twahir noted that KAMMP is committed to collaborating closely with SHA to ensure its objectives are realized effectively. “Despite teething problems, SHA has the potential to revolutionize healthcare access in Kenya,” he stated. “We are ready to work with the government and other stakeholders to streamline the system and make it beneficial to every Kenyan.”
The conference brought together Muslim doctors and medical professionals across various levels of healthcare practice. It served as a platform to address critical issues facing the medical fraternity and to foster solutions that align with the association’s vision of improving healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
Urgent Issues in SHA Rollout
KAMMP National Secretary Abdalla Bajaber also addressed the conference, urging the government to resolve specific challenges hampering the rollout of SHA. Among the pressing concerns raised was the issue of pending payments to hospitals, which has strained healthcare facilities and hindered service delivery.
“The government must prioritize clearing arrears owed to hospitals to restore confidence in the healthcare system,” Bajaber remarked. He further emphasized the importance of incorporating feedback from healthcare professionals in the ongoing SHA implementation process. “Medical professionals are on the front lines and understand the practical challenges. Their input is crucial in creating a sustainable and effective SHA framework,” he added.
Bajaber stressed that while KAMMP supports the SHA initiative, its success hinges on resolving these foundational issues swiftly to ensure a robust and efficient system.
Commitment to Professional Development
Beyond their focus on SHA, KAMMP reiterated its dedication to the professional growth of its members and the welfare of the Muslim community at large. One of the association’s flagship projects is the establishment of a training institution aimed at enhancing the skills and expertise of KAMMP members.
“This institution will provide targeted training to improve the capabilities of Muslim medical professionals and equip them with the skills needed to address emerging healthcare challenges,” Dr. Twahir stated.
The association also highlighted its broader mission of advocating for equitable healthcare access for all Kenyans, particularly marginalized groups. By empowering its members with advanced training and fostering collaboration with government agencies like SHA, KAMMP aims to be a transformative force in the country’s healthcare landscape.
Bridging the Healthcare Gap
The SHA initiative, introduced to provide universal health coverage, represents a pivotal step toward addressing the healthcare disparities that have long plagued Kenya. KAMMP’s support for the initiative underscores the critical role of stakeholder collaboration in achieving this goal.
During the conference, participants expressed optimism that with strategic planning, inclusive policymaking, and timely resolution of challenges, SHA can become a model for universal healthcare in the region. The association pledged to remain an active participant in advocating for reforms that prioritize patient welfare and streamline service delivery.
As Kenya continues to grapple with healthcare challenges, the insights and contributions of associations like KAMMP will be instrumental in shaping policies that promote equity, efficiency, and excellence in service delivery. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, KAMMP’s efforts signal a hopeful path forward for the country’s healthcare sector.
