Hon. Duale Meets Referral Hospital CEOs on Health System Reforms
𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝟏𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale convened a high-level strategic meeting with Chief Executive Officers of Kenya’s National Teaching and Referral Hospitals at Afya House, Nairobi. The session focused on strengthening coordination and reinforcing an efficient, responsive public health system at the referral level.
Reaffirming his commitment to uphold patient dignity, quality, and efficiency in care delivery, Hon. Duale emphasized the enforcement of the Social Health Authority (SHA)’s bed capacity access rule. He directed that each hospital’s actual bed capacity be accurately updated in Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) records to avoid service disruptions.
He further called for urgent action to eliminate unacceptable conditions such as patients sleeping on the floor or sharing beds.
“You are directed to procure additional beds without delay and ensure timely availability. I will provide the necessary support every Kenyan deserves to receive care with dignity,” he said.
The CS also highlighted the range of services covered under SHA and directed facilities to cease co-charging for any services fully covered. He emphasized timely documentation, adherence to standard tariffs, transparent claims processing, and prudent use of available resources to protect patients from out-of-pocket expenses and ensure the sustainability of the new health insurance model.
On Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), Hon. Duale assured the CEOs of the Ministry’s ongoing reforms aimed at restoring full stock availability and reliable supply chains to support uninterrupted patient care.
Speaking on strategic reforms to strengthen Kenya’s Taifa Care model, the CS spotlighted the digitization of healthcare — including patient records, prescriptions, and facility operations as key to improving efficiency, curbing fraud, and promoting accountability.
He directed facilities to promptly address patient complaints raised through KMPDC, declare any new services (such as organ transplants or advanced diagnostics) for proper regulatory classification, and formalize training partnerships through structured MoUs to safeguard education standards.
Hon. Duale also urged hospital leadership to champion the efficient use of public resources, uphold ethical governance, and ensure that decisions are made in the public interest.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support to national referral hospitals and emphasized the importance of collaboration between hospital boards, management, and the Ministry to resolve legal, operational, and funding challenges.
“We must work constructively to build strong institutions, enhance service delivery, and shape the future of health for generations to come,” he stated.
The CS was joined by Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, CEOs Dr Waqo Erjesa (KEMSA),Dr David Kariuki(KMPDC),Dr Mercy Mwangangi (SHA),Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara (DHA) at a meeting attended by CEOs of KNH,MTRH,MNTRH,KUTRRH, JOOTRH,NSIRH and MKRH.