Mutahi lauds the ongoing reforms in the Health Ministry
The Ministry of Health has acknowledged positivity on the reforms embarked in the health sector.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe says the reforms have transformed it from the term ‘Mafia House’ to ‘Afya House.’
Speaking during a meeting with the Kenya Editors Guild in Malindi today, the Health CS affirmed that cartels that used to be prevalent have been abolished.
“We are Afya House and not Mafia house, and you can take that to the bank,” he emphasized. “The reforms within the Ministry are cross cutting and there is no step we are not willing to take to ensure Kenyans get value for their money.”
He further indicated that the Ministry’s outlook has also improved exponentially and affirmed that staff are committed to the provision of efficient service delivery.
Among the proposed reforms include the provision of additional dialysis equipment to 15 hospitals with high volume patients to enable them cope with the increased numbers as well as theatre equipment to optimize theatre services in the MES supported hospitals.
The facilities include; Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nakuru County Referral Hospital, Kakamega County Referral Hospital, Othaya National Referral Hospital, Murang’a County Referral Hospital, Wajir County Referral Hospital, Mandera County Referral Hospital and Kericho County Referral Hospital. Others are Kitui County Referral Hospital, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital, Moi Voi County Referral Hospital, Malindi County referral Hospital, Meru Teaching & Referral Hospital and Vihiga County Referral Hospital.
Kagwe said the government remains committed to transformative devolved healthcare in line with the constitutional right of every Kenyan to access the highest standard of quality healthcare attainable.
“The government has prioritised health reforms in the recent past as it seeks to bridge the healthcare gap through resource mobilization, collaboration, innovation and technology exchange,” he said.
Under the MES arrangement, equipment manufacturers were outsourced to supply, install, train users, and provide maintenance, repair and replacement services for the specialized medical equipment for the duration of the MES contract.
