Kenya:Health CS Kagwe says government has initiated numerous programmes to enhance access to specialized health services

By Samuel Ouma Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe says the government is prioritizing access, affordability and quality as it moves to the next level of the universal health coverage agenda. Speaking during a meeting with Rob Walton, General electric President for Europe, Middle East and Africa the cabinet secretary said the government in partnership with county governments has already initiated a host of programs aimed at increasing access to specialized health services across the country in an effort to improve the quality of healthcare. “Our health response philosophy is based on UHC and is premised on the three pillars of Access, quality and Affordability.  On access, we are looking to build more facilities in Nairobi and the rest of the country. In Nairobi, the facilities are concentrated in the informal settlements. Access is not for some, but for all.” Said the health CS. Citing the Managed Equipment Service (MES) where six global firms have been contracted to supply, install, train users and repair diagnostic equipment, Kagwe said the equipment leasing concept has seen improvement in healthcare standards with Kenyans who would otherwise have sought treatment abroad treated locally. ‘We want to play a role in the region to stop people from going abroad in search of treatment. For example, since January, we have attended to 400 patients at KUTRRH with similar success at Mombasa Provincial General Hospital” observed the CS. This even as he said that the equipment leased must be of the latest technology and meet global standards. According to Walton, his company remains ready to support Kenya improve her Primary Health Care through continuous engagement. “Besides our role in the Managed Equipment Service we are in the process of constructing one of the biggest   wind farms here in Kenya.” Said Walton. The Kenyan government in partnership with devolved units has in recent years embarked on an ambitious program to upgrade health facilities by providing specialized, modern, and state-of-the-art medical equipment with the aim of providing Kenyans with excellent uninterrupted health services regardless of their geographical location.