Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has called for unified and strategic efforts across the health sector to ensure Universal Health Coverage (UHC) delivers meaningful outcomes for Kenyans.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with the Directorate of Policy, Digital Health, and Innovations, Dr. Oluga emphasized the urgent need to restore public confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
“Our work must restore order to the health sector, promote the health of our people, reduce the burden of disease, and lower mortality rates,” said Dr. Oluga.
He reiterated that the Ministry of Health’s mission is not just to provide services but to make lasting improvements that earn the trust of citizens.
Dr. Oluga urged staff to embrace a new, more results-driven approach to work. “Everyone must contribute and work together. Public trust depends on how we show up, how we deliver, and how we lead,” he said.
He called on teams to prioritize actions that lead to real, measurable impact and to ensure that every policy and effort outlives its implementers. “The work of the State Department of Medical Services must align with the broader Ministry agenda,” he said. “It is essential that we deliver on our full mandate.”
The PS underscored that the challenge is not just about resources, but how they are prioritized and used. “Innovation should guide both our use of existing resources and how we seek new ones. We must be strategic, focused, and aligned with the government’s health goals.”
Dr. Oluga emphasized that discipline, accountability, and consistent, purpose-driven leadership were the foundation for institutional stability and effective service delivery.
He reaffirmed his open-door policy, encouraging collaboration and open communication across all levels of the department.
He concluded with a reminder that transformation often begins with the basics. “It’s not always about complex solutions. Simple, consistent actions can create the biggest change. We need bold, clear ideas that ripple across the entire system.”
The meeting marked a renewed push for systemic reform and greater alignment in the implementation of UHC as part of the government’s broader health agenda.
