Health CS Deborah Barasa said on Saturday this is meant to ensure seamless migration of labour in the EAC.
“And we hope to capture this in Africa and beyond,” she said.
The CS spoke in Mombasa during the rollout of the Social Health Authority mass registration drive.
Barasa said the technical team comprising of experts from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and other EAC countries, will look into aspects of healthcare professional curriculums, patient safety and healthcare services.
Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority CEO Jackson Kioko, chairman Amit Thakker and EAC technical experts state representatives are set to review the Human Resource for Health curriculum to ensure there is standardisation.
“Since we look to offer quality services, we will be looking at regulations that will ultimately achieve Universal Health Coverage not only in Kenya but also in the EAC,” Barasa said.
Meanwhile, the CS said the shortage of the BCG vaccine will be resolved in a fortnight.
“In two weeks time, we will have the BCG vaccines in Kenya. They will be accessible to the children,” she said.
The CS said the ministry has mapped out areas in dire need of the vaccine and health facilities that have the vaccine will need to help deliver some to those that do not have.
“Ultimately, we will identify those children who will not have gotten the vaccine by then so we can ensure they can be taken care of,” Barasa said.
She said Kenya is prepared to tackle any infection, including the flu-like virus that has hit parts of China and the world, which could find its way into Kenya.
“We are happy to report that we have not had any cases to this moment but as a ministry, we are looking to improve our capacity in terms preparedness and readiness,” Barasa said.
“We are developing a plan in that regard. We are looking at surveillance and the labs’ capacity to ensure Kenyans are well shielded.”
The CS said the ministry will resolve the nurses and clinical officers issues to avert a strike that has been called for January 19.
Should the strike go on, it will significantly hinder Kenya’s preparedness to deal with any case of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has been reported from India amid seasonal winter patterns of a rise in respiratory illnesses.
“The State Department of Public
Health and Professional Standards
is routinely engaging to ensure we
avert the strike,” Barasa said.
