The Ministry of Health (MoH) has announced the advancement of the health information system having registered over 18.5 million Kenyans under the Social Health Authority (SHA) with an aim of featuring updates on key initiatives, progress, and responses to current health issues.
Speaking at a press briefing, MoH Director General (DG) Dr. Patrick Amoth highlighted the steady progress of the registration process, noting that the country registered an average of 276,000 new enrollees last week alone.
Dr Amoth confirmed that Kenya’s health information system remains robust despite minor complaints.
He commended Mombasa County’s leadership for successfully digitizing 91 percent of its Level 2 health facilities and fully integrated all Level 3 hospitals into the digital system.
“Mombasa has made significant progress, now leading with nearly 44% of its population registered under SHA. The county’s registered users surged from 326,000 to 518,000 following a rapid results initiative,” he stated.
He reiterated that Kenya’s digital health transformation is also improving service delivery, particularly through streamlined pre-authorization processes.
“Previously, multiple health professionals had to approve certain procedures, but under the new system, only the lead medical practitioner whether a clinical officer, nurse, or doctor needs to authorize an intervention,” said Dr. Amoth
He said that since the October 1, over 735,000 claims worth nearly Sh16.5 billion have been processed through the health provider portal, with inpatient and dialysis services accounting for the highest claims.
“Primary healthcare is the backbone of a resilient health system. It is comprehensive, integrated, and promotes equity,” he said, adding that over 1 million Kenyans have accessed treatment under the Primary Health Care Fund, reinforcing the government’s commitment to universal healthcare through Taifa Care.
Dr. Amoth also addressed concerns over potential global aid disruptions, following United States policy shifts on foreign health funding assuring Kenyans that the country has sufficient HIV treatment supplies and a strong supply chain affirming uninterrupted access to antiretrovirals (ARVs) for the 1.4 million Kenyans on treatment.
“Kenya remains on track with its Triple 95 HIV targets, with 98 percent of people knowing their status and 98 percent of those diagnosed receiving treatment,” Dr. Amoth stated.
He stressed that the nation was slightly lagging behind in terms of viral suppression at 94 percent against the global target of 95percent, noting that one of the key challenges to the failure to achieve the target in viral suppression is in regards to elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
“Our focus is to shield patients from disruptions. Regardless of global politics, no Kenyan should miss treatment,” he said adding that despite global uncertainties, Kenya has procured additional HIV commodities through the Global Fund and continues working with Kenya Medical Supply Agency, county governments, and civil society to ensure seamless service delivery.
Dr Amoth has appealed to all Kenyans to ensure that those on treatment visited health facilities to receive their medications since the medicines were available.
“In order to ensure seamless service delivery, our prescription pattern for antiretroviral therapy provides patients with a three- to six-month supply of medication. This approach ensures that no one misses their treatment, regardless of global circumstances,” he said.
The official stated that the Ministry’s role was to ensure that it shielded the patient who requires treatment and ensure that they continued to receive the treatment uninterrupted.
The government has urged all Kenyans to register with SHA, including dependents, and undergo means-testing to determine their required contributions for healthcare access as Kenya accelerates its digital health reforms, service integration, and domestic resource mobilization.
“The number of dependents registered in the system is now approaching 4 million. I encourage all Kenyans to complete the registration process fully, including adding their dependents and undergoing means-testing to determine their required contribution,” he said.
