The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially opened the thematic Mashujaa Day celebrations week in Kericho county ahead of the Mashujaa Day fete slated for Friday, October 202, 2023 to be celebrated in Kericho county.
The celebrations themed Universal Health coverage – Afya nyumbani will be marked by four-day exhibition and conference will culminate on the d-day with the official launch of the UHC by president William Ruto.
The thematic week helps evaluate the milestones made in the health sector as well as deliberate possible interventions and innovations that can aid the health sector and ensure success in the government’s plan on Universal Health Coverage.
Yesterday’s tour of the county saw the DP visit a household in Cheborge to assess the effectiveness of the recently launched Universal Health promoters program, as well as track the relay of the information obtained by the CHP’s to different levels of Hospital as the government moves to digitise several programs.
“It is a great occasion to witness the potential of the Kericho County Smart Primary Health Care Network, which is envisioned to transform healthcare service delivery through digitisation of data. I congratulate governor Mutai and his entire team in establishing this digital system. It will redefine how we work for our people.” Gachagua noted.
The DP also launched the Smart Primary Care Network (PCN) for Universal Health Coverage which will ensure continuity of service from the community level for access to basic health care services up to level 4 facilities where specialized care is offered.
“Integrating digital technology is one of the best strategies of ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. Allow me to also appreciate the Ministry of Health for the Guidelines we are launching from Kericho County, the host of the Mashujaa Day celebration this year. They will support and strengthen our healthcare system.” He added.
Statistics show that about 26 per cent of the more than 53 million people have some form of health insurance cover.
The DP said the government is focused on ensuring healthcare becomes accessible and affordable.
“Quality healthcare is very expensive for most families. Serious health conditions are sinking families into abject poverty as many Kenyans cannot access healthcare insurance. In fact, only about 26 per cent of the more than 53 million people have some form of health insurance cover. When a serious medical condition strikes, poverty is inevitable for most families. Poverty strips off one’s dignity. This in turn slows development.” He added.
He added that the government has allocated Sh141.2billion to the Ministry of Health, with at least Sh18.4billion going into UHC.
The DP noted that the president Ruto led administration is determined to meet and surpass the minimum target of 15 per cent of the national budget to the health sector as per the Abuja Declaration of 2001.
The DP also issued a certificate to certify upgrading of Kericho county Referral Hospital from Level 4 to Level 5.
He also commissioned the oncology unit in the hospital that will aid in providing services like cancer screening to wananchi. Screening has been seen to contribute to reducing mortality by between 25 and 39 per cent over the last decade.
