Duale - 40 percent coverage achieved in Universal Health Coverage

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. [File, Standard]

Universal health coverage for primary healthcare under the Kenyan Kwanza administration now stands at 40 percent, with 21.3 million Kenyans presently accessing free healthcare.

According to statistics by the Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, this marks a significant milestone in the rollout of the country's revamped healthcare system.

In a statement delivered to the National Assembly, Duale reported that the services are being provided at level 2 to 4 public health institutions, including dispensaries, health centres, and sub-county hospitals, as well as contracted private and faith-based facilities.

"Free primary healthcare services for 21,390,659 (Million) in all public level 2-4 facilities. The contracted facilities are available to the public on the SHA website www.sha,go.ke," he stated.

Duale also noted that the benefit package under the new scheme, managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA), is more comprehensive than the previous National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

"The improved package includes coverage for critical services such as intensive care, cancer treatment, surgical procedures, and maternity care," he explained.

Despite the strides, Duale admitted that challenges remain. Some employers, he said, are failing to remit statutory contributions to SHA, leaving employees without access to services.

He also pointed to limited public awareness of SHA, manipulation of the means testing tool resulting in inaccurate premium assessments, and legacy debts inherited from NHIF.

"The implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act is still in its infancy. Most of the challenges are operational and do not require legislative changes at this point," he stated.