Ministry, CoG respond to medical equipment leasing claims

The government has come out to address media reports regarding the alleged leasing of medical equipment to the counties.

In a joint statement issued on December 4, the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors (CoG) clarified that there is no secrecy in the equipment supply deal, providing details on a new approach to managing it.

The statement explained that following the expiration of the Medical Equipment Service (MES) programme in December 2023, a transition strategy was developed to maintain and enhance its gains.

“This transition was guided by gains resolutions made during the 10th Extraordinary Summit between the national government and counties on December 18, 2023," the statement reads.

It has been signed by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa and CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi.

A select committee, it says, was then established to oversee the transition and ensure the continuity of health services without disruptions.

One of the key changes outlined in the statement is the adoption of a Fixed Fee-for-Service (FFS) model agreed by the CoG and the Ministry of Health.

“This innovative approach shifts the financial responsibility of medical equipment from government facilities, including county facilities to contracted vendors.”

The model allows for vendors to supply, maintain, and upgrade state-of-the-art equipment at no upfront cost to county health facilities hence enabling counties to focus resources on patient care.

“This mode is different from the leasing option as stated in the false publication,” it states.

Highlighting the tendering process, the duo held that the tender submissions were received and opened in the presence of bidders and representatives from the Ministry and counties.

They added that the evaluation process was conducted jointly by the representatives drawn from both the ministry and the counties in adherence to “strict guidelines including Social Health Authority benefit tariffs.”

“Following the evaluation, contracts were awarded to seven bidders in October 2024.”

To guide the implementation of the FFS model, they pointed out that a joint administrative framework has been established.

Barasa and Abdullahi added that the counties signed, on a voluntary basis, Intergovernmental Participatory Agreements to facilitate the programme.

Through the FFS, suppliers invest in and place medical equipment in county health facilities at no upfront cost “but will be paid a fee for services rendered.”

SHA is the mandated agency to reimburse facilities for the gazetted tariff amounts.

“This model fosters transparency, efficiency and sustainability while enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide,’ the statement reads.