The government has said it will continue to undertake the necessary reforms in the health sector so that Kenyans continue to access required healthcare services.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua particularly cited the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) saying they are keen on making it more inclusive and responsive to the needs of Kenyans.
Speaking when he participated in the Heart-to-Heart Run in Nairobi on Saturday, Gachagua said the government aims at easing the burden brought by expensive medical care.
"We are implementing these reforms because we are determined to increase access to quality healthcare and reduce the burden on our people, especially the vulnerable,” he said.
President William Ruto recently announced changes in the Fund saying the lowest monthly contribution will be slashed by Sh200 from the next financial year.
This, he said, is meant to promote an equitable contribution mechanism.
"Everyone one of us is going to contribute 2.7 per cent of their earning to NHIF so that we can carry this load of health equally," he said.
The change was among the promises Ruto made in September 2022.
The annual Heart-Hert Foundation Run initiated by the Karen Hospital celebrated 30 years since its inception on Saturday.
Funds raised from it are used to treat children with heart diseases.
Gachagua welcomed the Run saying hundreds of children had benefitted from it over the years.
“As we embark on this year's Heart Run, we are collectively determined to make a mark in every child’s heart through the funds raised. That is how we will build a society where no child suffers for lack of access to quality healthcare,” he stated.
He also challenged other hospitals across the country to explore similar initiatives saying Karen Hospital had set the pace for them.
The Hospital’s Co-Proprietor Dr Dan Gikonyo said they have supported 400 children with heart diseases with the funds collected from the annual runs.
“Every penny we collect supports a child who has a heart problem,” he said.
The DP was joined in the walk by Woman Representatives Esther Passaris (Nairobi), Ann Wamuratha (Kiambu), MPs Felix Odiwour Jalang’o (Langata), Benjamin Gathiru Mejjadonk (Embakasi Central), Beatrice Elachi (Dagoretti North) among other leaders and hundreds of children.