The Ministry of Health has announced a new collaboration with faith-based hospitals aimed at strengthening the ongoing roll-out of Taifa Care.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 30, the ministry said Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale led a consultative meeting with representatives from the Consortium of Faith-Based Providers.
The group included Christian Health Association of Kenya and Mission for Essential Drugs Chairperson Rt. Rev. Charles Asilutwa, Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops Chair of Health Rt. Rev. Cleophas Oseso, Christian Health Association of Kenya and Mission for Essential Drugs Board of Trustees member Rev. Dr. Robert Langat, and Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Chairperson Al Hajj Hassan Ole Naado.
The two sides reviewed the progress of Taifa Care and agreed on several steps to ensure smoother collaboration and improved health access.
According to the statement, one of the immediate priorities will be a visit by the Health CS to key health facilities.
“The Cabinet Secretary will be visiting Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS) in the next two weeks and the launch of CT scans at the Tenwek and Dream Lands Hospitals,” the statement read.
Additionally, the agreement also outlined new measures to strengthen service delivery at the grassroots level.
“Social Health Authority shall allocate relationship managers per facilities and organize joint clinics to improve service delivery. This includes account management, to all public, Faith Based and private hospitals,” the statement added.
To further enhance access to medical technology, the Ministry directed the FBOs to submit a list of remote facilities for consideration.
“The Consortium of FBOs to submit a list of needy remote facilities for consideration for devices in the digitization process,” the statement continued.
Faith-based organizations are also expected to play a role in sensitization and outreach efforts, ensuring that more Kenyans are enrolled in Taifa Care.
“Use of consortium platforms to sensitize members on the benefits of SHA and promote payment by setting up registration desks in churches and mosques,” the statement added.
In addition, the ministry noted that the Social Health Authority (SHA) shall endeavour to pay all claims on a First in First Out basis adhering to the 90 day contractual period.
It also promised that the SHA chairperson shall hold quarterly progress report meetings.
