State seeks Sh200b to boost heathcare

Health CS Cleopa Mailu

The Ministry of Health is seeking an additional Sh200 billion in the ongoing push for the country's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.

Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu revealed that the Government's resource mobilisation had yielded close to Sh12 billion annually as additional funding from the Government and external resources.

Speaking at a plenary session of the 70th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Dr Mailu said the funds would be used to boost the country's existing primary healthcare.

He said over 80 per cent of the resources were being channelled to supporting the free maternity programme, medical equipment leasing, health insurance subsidies for the poor, the elderly and people with disabilities.

"In addition to this, the ministry in partnership with the United Nations and private sector has launched a Sustainable Development Goal partnership," said Mailu.