Kenyans spend an estimated Sh10 billion ($120 million) annually on medical treatment abroad, the Ministry of Health has said.
Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said more than 10,000 Kenyans are flown to South Africa, Dubai or India annually for specialised treatment.
Mr Macharia said the Government plans to launch a strategic medical tourism scheme to reduce the funds spent abroad.
He said under the scheme, the Government in partnership with the private sector would establish modern, fully equipped health facilities to attract patients locally and from other countries.
“Under the medical tourism scheme, patients will be treated locally, thus saving Sh10 billion annually. We will also attract patients from other countries,” he said, expressing optimism about the plan’s success.
He said Sh38 billion had been set aside to rehabilitate two health facilities in each of the 47 counties and two Level Five and Four facilities.
The CS said equipment for diagnostics, cancer, renal and heart diseases would be bought as one way of improving health services.