Health cabinet secretary Aden Duale is assuring governors of a better working relationship as opposed to his predecessors, promising frequent consultations with the realization that health is a devolved function.
Speaking to the media after a high level consultative meeting between governors and the CS, which also served as a familiarization meeting, which was the first since he assumed the ministry, CS Duale said there had been so many gaps in the relaying of information, as well as actioning on what had been agreed upon, insisting there needed to be a swift change to create, not only a bond and synergy between the two levels of Government, but to also give way for the full implementation of the Universal Health Coverage, which to him, is still lagging.
The 4-hour meeting at the council of governors, also seeking to unlock some of the priority areas for CS Duale as he takes over the ministry, and understanding of operations, such as the absorption of Universal Health Coverage staff employed during the COVID–19 era.
CoG Health committee chairperson and Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki is asking the National Government to prioritize the absorption of the UHC staff who have made the streets their home through frequent demonstrations they hold.
According to Governor Njuki, it is unfair that UHC staff continue to suffer under poor pay, yet some of their colleagues, employed after the UHC stint, are earning better.
However, he insists on their secondment to counties, but with proper resource allocation as per the SRC rates.
Consequently, the council of governors has resolved to have the National Government channel all payments for the Community Health Promoters through county structures as opposed to two payrolls, one run by the National Government and another by the County Governments.
CoG chair and Wajir governor Ahmed Abdulahi are proposing a new headcount for CHPs so as to avoid payment of ghost CHPs, and others who were dropped.
Governor Abdulahi also wants the government to expeditiously release all resources associated with UHC staff before they are sent to counties, and when seconded to counties, budgetary provisions must be made to take care of their salaries.
CoG vice chair Mutahi Kahiga wants President William Ruto to go slow on frequent changes in government and allow CS Dual to acclimate himself with the ministry and lead in achieving UHC
The 4-hour consultative meeting with the Council of Governors (CoG) Health Committee, chaired by H.E. Ahmed Abdullahi, Governor of Wajir County, addressed key issues in the health sector.
Discussions focused on the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), digitization of health services and absorption of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff.
We agreed to fast-track the digitalization of health facilities in all 47 counties, led by the Digital Health Agency, to improve service delivery.
On SHA, it was agreed that more resources be allocated to emergency, chronic and critical illnesses, as well as to training health facility in-charges to optimize registration and service delivery.
To streamline UHC staff absorption and Community Health Promoter (CHP) payments, counties will conduct a headcount, while the National Government will transfer funds based on SRC-approved salary scales.
I reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the health system through transparent partnerships with counties, with a focus on integrity and accountability. I also highlighted the essential role of human resources in the rollout of Taifa Care.
I was joined by PSs Mary Muthoni (Public Health & Professional Standards) and Harry Kimtai (Medical Services), DG Health Dr. Patrick Amoth and CoG Vice Chair H.E. Mutahi Kahiga, among others.
