SHIF: KEMSA Flags Off Medical Supplies To Counties For New Health Plan
The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) handed over medical supplies to counties on Monday to support the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Deborah Barasa, Health Cabinet Secretary, flagged off the delivery of health products such as essential medicines, medical supplies, and maternal health commodities.
The Cabinet Secretary stated that the supplies will aid the new healthcare program.
“The distributed medical supplies will support the treatment and prevention of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS, which continue to affect our communities,” said Barasa.
In readiness for the rollout of SHA, CS Health Dr. @DeboraBarasa together with PS Health @KimtaiHarry, Chair KEMSA Board Samuel Tunai & CEO Dr. @WEjersa today flagged off medical commodities to various counties at the KEMSA National Supply Chain Centre.#DawaMashinani pic.twitter.com/PbYG0endGu
— KEMSA (@Kemsa_Kenya) September 30, 2024
“With non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer on the rise, these products will also play a role in enhancing the management of these conditions at the community level,” she added.
KEMSA board chairperson Samuel Tunai acknowledged the authority’s role in ensuring a smooth transition to the new health fund.
He stated that KEMSA is working to improve the efficiency of its supply chain and strengthen partnerships with both national and county governments.
“We aim to make health facilities more responsive to local health needs by ensuring that medical commodities are delivered on time and in sufficient quantities,” Tunai said.
The KEMSA chair emphasized the importance of healthcare reforms, such as operational restructuring, increased accountability, and improved procurement processes.
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“In the long term, we aim to recapitalize KEMSA to strengthen its financial foundation,” added Tunai.
“This will involve seeking additional funds from development partners and exploring partnerships that will ensure sustainability.”
He also expressed concern about the authority’s lack of funds as a result of county debt.
“Many counties are struggling to pay for the HPTs they need. To address this, I urge the national government to establish a central account for UHC where funds can be pooled for counties to draw from.”
SHIF: KEMSA Flags Off Medical Supplies To Counties For New Health Plan
