The government is working on modalities aimed at strengthening provision of healthcare services in schools and intensify the fight against drug and substance abuse among learners.
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the initiative seeks to ensure that health facilities serving learning institutions are fully facilitated under the Social Health Authority (SHA), bringing quality healthcare services closer to students.
Speaking during a prize-giving ceremony at Kerugoya Boys High School in Kirinyaga county, the PS noted that many school-going children are already registered under SHA through their parents or guardians and should be able to access quality healthcare whenever need arises.
Muthoni said strengthening health services around schools will reduce barriers to healthcare, improve early diagnosis of illnesses and promote a healthy learning environment for learners across the country.
“We want every child to access healthcare without financial hardship. Through our partnership with the Ministry of Education, we are ensuring that health facilities linked to schools are well supported under SHA so that learners receive timely and quality medical services,” she said.
The PS also announced that the Ministry of Health will work closely with the Ministry of Education to educate teachers, parents and school communities on the growing threat of drug and substance abuse among school-going children.
She warned that drug traffickers are introducing new products that closely resemble ordinary household or personal items, making them difficult for teachers and parents to identify.
According to the PS, some narcotic products are packaged to look like pens, lipsticks, perfume bottles and other common items used by students, allowing them to be smuggled into schools unnoticed.
She said the changing tactics by drug dealers require teachers and parents to remain alert and continuously update their knowledge on emerging forms of drugs in the market.
Muthoni emphasized that creating awareness among parents and teachers will strengthen early detection and prevention efforts, protecting learners from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
She noted that substance abuse among young people not only affects their academic performance, but also exposes them to long-term health complications, addiction and risky behaviour that can negatively impact their future.
The Ps further urged parents to maintain close communication with their children and work closely with schools in identifying behavioural changes that may indicate drug use.
Muthoni cautioned Kenyans against self-medication, saying taking medicines without professional medical advice is dangerous and can worsen illnesses, lead to drug resistance and delay proper treatment.
She encouraged members of the public to only seek medical attention from qualified healthcare providers whenever they fall sick, instead of relying on medicines purchased without diagnosis.
The PS reiterated that primary healthcare services offered in facilities accredited under the Social Health Authority should be accessible without unnecessary charges, noting that the government had already released funds to support service delivery.
She said no Kenyan should fail to seek treatment because of fear of medical costs, adding that the government is committed to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare through the successful implementation of SHA.
Muthoni called on health workers to continue offering quality services to patients and urged the public to register under SHA and utilize accredited health facilities whenever they require treatment.
By David Wandeto
