Nairobi: The government is actively developing mechanisms to integrate three key result areas into its policies: implementing universal health coverage, supporting a skilled and motivated healthcare workforce, and advancing the digitisation of the healthcare system. Principal Secretary of Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga highlighted these initiatives during the inauguration of Dr. Mercy Mwangangi as the new Social Health Authority (SHA) CEO.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Oluga stated that the government's objective is to realign the healthcare system, processes, and programs to enhance responsiveness, reliability, and sustainability. This aims to improve the pooling of resources and risks. He emphasized that SHA's mandate is to provide a framework for improved health outcomes and financial protection, aligning with the constitutional right to health under Article 43 and the global agenda of Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Oluga further noted the importance of the three key result areas for the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), particularly focusing on four pillars: healthcare financing, sustainable healthcare financing, health workforce, and commodity security.
Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, the new SHA CEO, stressed the need for a Social Health Authority that includes all Kenyans as the country undergoes transformation. She mentioned that the government has invested in establishing this institution over the past eight months, emphasizing the importance of strengthening it to ensure no Kenyan is left behind.
The inauguration was also attended by Robert Ingasira, Director of Finance and Funds Management at SHA; Tracy John, Acting Director of Benefits and Claims Management at SHA; and Ibrahim Alio, Director of Corporate Services at SHA.