Health CS Aden Duale has cautioned public Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities against charging patients for services covered under the Primary Health Care Fund, reiterating that eligible Kenyans registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) should access essential healthcare services free of charge.
Duale emphasised that the government had put in place adequate funding mechanisms to ensure patients seeking treatment at public dispensaries and health centres are not required to make out-of-pocket payments for covered services.
He spoke in Balambala town on Saturday during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the Balambala SubCounty Hospital.
Once complete , the facility, a 150-bed capacity hospital, currently 70 per cent complete, will be elevated to Level 5.
The CS said the government’s objective is to guarantee universal access to primary healthcare and remove financial barriers that often prevent vulnerable Kenyans from seeking medical attention.
“All eligible patients registered under SHA should not be charged for services covered under the Primary Health Care Fund,” Duale said.
He singled out expectant mothers, noting that the government was determined to address the country’s high maternal and infant mortality rates by ensuring pregnant women receive quality care throughout pregnancy and delivery without financial challenges.
Health CS Aden Duale assesses the progress of ongoing construction of the Balambala Subcounty Hospital /STEPHEN ASTARIKO
“The government of President William Ruto has allocated enough resources for Level 2 and Level 3 maternity reimbursement services,” he said.
“Any Kenyan who goes to a public health centre or dispensary for delivery, whether normal delivery or Caesarean section, will receive the service free of charge. It is part of the wider programme the government is implementing to ensure we reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates in our country,” he added.
Duale’s remarks come amid growing efforts by the Ministry of Health to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, particularly in counties that continue to record high maternal and infant mortality rates.
Last week while speaking in Bura town, the CS expressed concern over the situation in some counties, especially those predominantly inhabited by pastoralist communities, where access to healthcare services remains a challenge.
He said the national government was working closely with county administrations to improve healthcare outcomes and ensure expectant mothers receive quality care before, during and after delivery.
“Maternity wards should be places of hope and new beginnings, not places associated with preventable tragedies. We are working with county governments to ensure mothers and their babies receive the best possible care,” he said.
To further strengthen specialized maternal and child healthcare services across the country, Duale announced that the government had recruited highly qualified gynecologists and pediatricians who will soon be deployed to various counties.
The deployment, he said, is expected to enhance access to specialized healthcare services and improve outcomes for mothers and children, particularly in underserved regions.
Duale urged residents who are yet to register under SHA to do so, calling on local administrators to collaborate closely with Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) to achieve full enrolment.
“We want every eligible Kenyan registered under SHA so that no one is left behind when seeking healthcare services. Local administrators and community health volunteers must work together to ensure 100 per cent enrolment,” he said.
The CS reiterated that under the Social Health Insurance framework, primary healthcare services are financed through the Primary Health Care Fund and accessed through contracted public Level 2 and Level 3 facilities, commonly known as dispensaries and health centres.
Under the arrangement, patients seeking essential outpatient services should be able to access treatment without making payments at the point of care.
The Ministry of Health has consistently maintained that patients should be able to “walk in, receive treatment and walk out” without being charged for services covered under the fund.
As part of efforts to enhance accountability and public awareness, the ministry has also introduced a Green Label Charter to be displayed prominently in health facilities across the country.
The charter bears the slogan “Walk In, Walk Out” and outlines healthcare services that should be provided free of charge to eligible patients under the Primary Health Care Fund.
Health officials say the initiative is intended to help patients understand their entitlements while ensuring health facilities comply with government policy on free primary healthcare services.
The government’s renewed push comes as Kenya continues implementing health sector reforms aimed at achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving access to affordable healthcare for all citizens.
