State accused of taking over counties health function

Benard Gitau  @benagitau

 Some stakeholders in the health sector have accused the national government of partially taking over  counties health function through the signing of Inter-governmental Partnership Agreement (IPA).

 Since the beginning of the year, at least 27 counties have signed the IPA on implementation of Universal Health Coverage. 

 In the deal, the national government is facilitating employment of 4,000 medical interns, installation of technology and innovation and provision essential basic equipment for counties.

The national government has also set aside Sh41.9 billion for the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

 Kenya National Union of Nurses secretary general Seth Panyako has accused counties of begging for funds from the national government to offer services enshrined in the Constitution.

 “Kenyans have a right to receive quality and affordable health services and not under the mercy of anyone at Treasury or Afya House, let the money go where the functions are,” he said. 

Over the last three years, Kenya’s health budget has expanded from Sh152 billion to Sh207 billion. 

Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya President Loius Machogu said counties lack the capacity to handle health services 100 per cent hence the national government intervention.