Principal Secretary for Medical Services Ouma Oluga has said President William Ruto is committed to transforming the health sector and ensuring all Kenyans can access quality and affordable healthcare.
Oluga said the government had initiated major health sector reforms aimed at ensuring no Kenyan is forced to sell property to meet medical expenses.
Speaking in Suna West Sub-County, Migori, during the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of inpatient blocks at Bugumbe Health Centre and Nyamaharaga Sub-County Hospital, Oluga said the government was determined to make healthcare accessible regardless of a person’s financial status.
He said the ongoing reforms, including expansion of health facilities and strengthening emergency medical services, would ensure Kenyans receive essential care without suffering financial hardship.
The PS said no Kenyan should be required to sell property to access healthcare services, including emergency ambulance services.
Earlier this week, President Ruto launched the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre and the SHA 922 Lifeline in Nairobi, an initiative aimed at ensuring Kenyans can access lifesaving emergency care regardless of their financial circumstances.
Oluga urged Kenyans who have not registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to do so, saying registration would enable them to access affordable healthcare services and support the government’s health transformation agenda.
“By registering with SHA, Kenyans will be cushioned from hard economic times that force them to dispose of their hard-earned and inherited properties to offset medical bills,” said Oluga.
He said the government was also improving hospitals across the country to ensure services covered by SHA are available even at lower-level health facilities.
Oluga said the reforms would strengthen healthcare delivery at the grassroots by improving infrastructure, expanding services and ensuring patients access treatment closer to their homes.
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, who accompanied Oluga during the ground-breaking ceremonies, thanked President Ruto for supporting the development of health infrastructure in the county.
Ayacko said the construction of the inpatient block would expand treatment capacity, improve patient care and bring quality and accessible medical services closer to residents.
He said the project would complement other county health investments and help address the growing demand for medical services in the area.
The governor said his administration would continue strengthening partnerships between the Migori County Government and the national government to attract more development projects and improve the welfare of residents.
He said cooperation between the two levels of government was essential in addressing healthcare challenges and ensuring that residents benefit from improved infrastructure and services.
The ground-breaking ceremonies at Bugumbe Health Centre and Nyamaharaga Sub-County Hospital marked another step towards expanding healthcare infrastructure in Migori County.
By Makokha Khaoya
