Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has hailed devolution as a key driver of improved healthcare and development across the country.
Speaking during a devolution awareness event held in Garissa County under the theme “Devolution for Better Health; Empowered Communities,“ Duale said the devolved system had enabled services and resources to reach communities that were previously underserved.
“Before devolution, the national government had too many responsibilities and some regions missed out on development due to political influence. Devolution has ensured that resources and services reach wananchi directly,” Duale said.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that devolution had brought significant reforms in the health sector, including increased investment in county health services.
Duale said the government has deployed about 6,200 medical interns to county hospitals across the country, with their salaries being paid by the national government.
“We have deployed 6,200 medical interns who are serving in county hospitals, and the government is paying their salaries,” he said.
The CS also said the government had intensified efforts to reduce maternal deaths during childbirth.
According to Duale, Garissa County Referral Hospital recorded 18 maternal deaths between January and April last year. However, from May last year to date, the number has dropped to two.
“Our goal is to ensure that no mother loses her life while giving birth due to preventable causes,” he said.
On the Social Health Authority (SHA), Duale said the scheme has paid out Sh172 billion over the past 18 months. He added that as of Monday, SHA had disbursed approximately Sh11.9 billion to healthcare providers, describing it as a significant improvement compared to the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Duale also announced that President William Ruto is expected to launch a fleet of ambulances this week to strengthen emergency medical response services. He said members of the public will be able to access the ambulances by calling the emergency number 992.
Meanwhile, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir raised concerns over absenteeism among some doctors employed by county governments, alleging that they often neglect their duties in public hospitals to attend to patients in their private clinics.
“Some doctors employed by counties are frequently absent from public hospitals because they are busy running their private clinics,” Nassir said.
He said the Council of Governors is expected to convene a special meeting to discuss measures against healthcare workers who fail to report to duty while pursuing private practice.
