Principal Secretary of the State Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Harry Kimtai, CBS, during press conference held at Kenya Institute of Special Education on October 17, 2024.
By Peace Muthoka.
Harry Kimtai, CBS, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring equal access to healthcare for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Speaking at a summit under the theme “Advancing a Disability-Inclusive Health and HIV Response,” Kimtai highlighted the barriers faced by PWDs in accessing essential health services and outlined the government’s strategies to tackle these challenges.
“Inclusion is not just a word; it is a principle that must guide our every action as we work towards achieving health equity,” said Kimtai. He stressed that PWDs face numerous obstacles, including physical inaccessibility to healthcare facilities and stigma. “Even within healthcare settings, data shows that PWDs are disproportionately affected by poor healthcare outcomes,” he added, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues.
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The government’s latest initiative, the Social Health Authority, launched on October 1st, 2024, is a significant step towards overcoming these barriers. Kimtai explained that the initiative aims to ensure healthcare services are both accessible and affordable for PWDs. “The benefits package covers the management of diseases such as HIV and TB, as well as critical services like immunization and family planning,” he said. The initiative will operate through three funds, including a Primary Health Care Fund that guarantees access to services at health centers without fees for registered individuals.
Collaboration was a key message in Kimtai’s speech. He lauded the participation of various stakeholders, including civil society, healthcare providers, and development partners, in developing solutions. “The solutions we seek demand a whole-of-society approach,” he noted, adding that community leaders and champions are crucial in helping PWDs navigate the healthcare system.
In response to the need for urgent healthcare access, Kimtai introduced the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund. This fund will provide emergency care to all Kenyans, including PWDs, without the burden of upfront payments, especially in critical situations requiring surgeries or ICU admissions. “For the first time, we are fully implementing our 2010 constitution’s mandate of providing emergency care to all Kenyans,” he said.
Kimtai also encouraged all Kenyans, especially PWDs, to register for the Social Health Insurance Program (SHIP). He explained that SHIP will cover emergency services and chronic conditions like cancer and renal failure. “Even those who have exhausted their insurance premiums will continue to receive care under the Chronic Fund,” he assured attendees, calling it a vital support system for the nation’s most vulnerable.
In his closing remarks, Kimtai reaffirmed the government’s vision of universal healthcare for all. “Our goal is simple: those who are healthy must take care of the sick, and the young must support the elderly. This is how we will build a truly inclusive healthcare system,” he emphasized. He encouraged all citizens to register for the SHIP, assuring them that there is no deadline for registration and urging continued support for the program.
As the summit concluded, participants expressed optimism about the future of healthcare for PWDs in Kenya. The action plan developed during the event is set to serve as a blueprint for ensuring that no one is left behind as Kenya continues to advance its healthcare systems.
This renewed focus on inclusion promises to transform healthcare access for PWDs, moving the nation closer to the goal of universal health coverage for all.
