Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has given a ray of hope to medical workers in their push for the establishment of the Health Service Commission.
Barasa who was appearing for vetting told the MPs that she supports the move.
“As part of the doctors’ fraternity, I support the National Health Service Commission,” she said.
Barasa had earlier avoided answering the question only saying she would embrace a consultative approach on such matters.
“I believe this will be a consultative approach. I cannot make that decision myself, I believe that it is critical I involve the whole team, the stakeholders, partners and other sectors to be able to address this issue,” she said.
But, Pokot South MP David Pkosing hard-pressed her to give her opinion saying “We are gauging your suitability you are running away from being personal.”
“Even before you do the consultation. What’s your input as a leader, what’s your mind? You support, you don’t support?
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula who chairs the vetting panel added his voice claiming some doctors were sending the same message to the members asking them to ask the nominee.
“I have received like three such messages,” he said.
While appearing before the Senate in April 2024, former CS Susan Nakhumicha told the members that the formation of the commission is beyond the Ministry's mandate.
She said even though the idea is ideal, it will require a constitutional process and review.
"Having a Health Service Commission would be ideal but that process would be outside the mandate of the Ministry of Health, it would be a constitutional question," Nakhumicha said.
"Since the conversation is ongoing and if everyone believes that is the direction to be taken then we as a ministry are happy that the process of having a HSC through a constitutional process is started so that is achieved," she stated.
