Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa toured Trans Nzoia country as she stepped up campaigns to have more Kenyans register with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Barasa said her ministry was partnering with counties to carry out massive SHA registration as from next month.
She said they would also roll out extensive public sensitisation to educate Kenyans on the benefits of SHA.
“We are working with the county leadership, MCAs, and Community Health Promoters to register as many Kenyans as possible for SHA,” Dr Barasa said.
She said President William Ruto was keen on ensuring universal health coverage for all Kenyans.
“President Ruto has prioritized matters healthcare and given firm instructions that all Kenyans should be registered with SHA so that they easily access qualified healthcare.”
The CS said despite few challenges, all SHA programmes were now working smoothly and would be improved to perfection.
“We are not looking back because we know SHA is the solution to the challenges we have been having as a country in the healthcare matters,” she said.
CS Barasa was speaking in Kitale town where she met with Governor George Natembeya with whom they held lengthy discussions on improvement of healthcare in the county and the country.
She said the national and county governments, in collaboration with health stakeholders, would launch a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to register residents with SHA.
Barasa said a 30-day SHA registration drive slated to begin mid-next month would be held in the county and other regions.
The CS held a lengthy meeting with Governor Natembeya and at the Governor’s Town Hall in Kitale.
County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi, Health CEC Sam Ojwang and Chief Officer Dr Judith Simiyu also attended the meeting.
In line with a presidential directive, CS Barasa also pledged Sh50 million to equip Kijana Wamalwa Referral Hospital.
“I'm impressed with how Trans Nzoia prioritises health services. Governor, you have my ministry’s full support,” she said.
Governor Natembeya revealed plans to renovate the Level 4 hospital to enhance its regional laboratory, eye unit and cancer centre services.
The renovations will allow for decentralisation of some services currently offered at the referral hospital.
During her visit to the Trans Nzoia Level 4 Hospital, CS Barasa commended the county's health department for its exemplary dialysis services.
“As a county we are equally keen to ensure our people enjoy access to quality healthcare and we are happy to partner with the national government in the SHA roll out,” Natembeya said.
