Health CS Susan Wafula has reiterated the commitment by the ministry of health to increase access to essential medicines.
The CS has further called for collaboration between the national and county governments to ensure improvement in the health sector.
The CS who spoke during the ongoing governor’s summit in Naivasha on Friday noted that working together in a coordinated effort between the two levels of government will help achieve the health goals of the country.
“The government is committed to self-reliance and reducing dependence on imports, leveraging local manufacturing, and working with the treasury on tax regimes,” she said.
Wafula reiterated the government's commitment to control the spread of communicable diseases and increase access to essential medicines but at the same and acknowledged that there is still much work to be done.
Wafula further noted that the government is committed to investing in cutting-edge technology and digital health solutions to improve health outcomes and reach more people with critical health services.
“The government is dedicated to leveraging technology to enhance health services and reach those in need,” she said.
The CS set a clear direction for the future of health in Kenya and demonstrated the government's dedication to improving the health and well-being of all Kenyans.
She highlighted the ongoing reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) including improvements in warehousing and logistics, and the need to focus on health financing, including reforms to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“The government is working to raise funds for social health insurance,” she noted.
She noted that the summit provides a valuable opportunity for discussions about the future of health in Kenya.
The National and County Government Coordinating Summit taking place in Naivasha, brings together governors, cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries.
Division for revenue, which has been the source of contention between the counties and the national government is one of the major issues for discussion during the two-day summit.
