Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has told the Senate that the government has started paying pending hospital bills and is working to improve services in the health sector.
Duale addressed Senators in a session chaired by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, providing an update on ongoing health reforms.
He said the government has set aside KSh4 billion to begin clearing verified claims under the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), especially smaller claims of up to KSh10 million. According to him, this move is meant to rebuild trust with hospitals and ensure a smooth shift to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Further, Duale mentioned that SHA is enhancing payment processes where so far about 74 per cent of claims have been paid, and the plan is to ensure payment within 90 days.
Concerning drugs, the CS revealed that there have been increased supplies of medicine through Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). Further, he said that many assistive hearing devices have been distributed all over the country with the plan to purchase another 2,000.
The CS talked about other issues concerning the sector. In this case, he mentioned that measures are being taken to enhance public health in the fight against smoking.
As well, preparations are made to make the health sector prepared to cope with challenges caused by climatic changes in line with the new strategy.
Further, the minister talked about measures related to oncology. Namely, the installation of an additional machine for cancer treatment in the Kenyatta National Hospital is planned. Additionally, four regional oncology centers in Kisii, Nyeri, Meru and Kisumu will be established.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that measures to eliminate corruption continue in the sector. Specifically, he stated that more than 1,200 health facilities were shut down because of corruption cases. In addition, about several dozen doctors and and clinicians have been barred from practice due to malpractice.
The session was also attended by Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth.