Duale Appoints Advisory Panel and Investigative Committee on Health Reforms
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has taken a bold step in revamping Kenya’s healthcare system by appointing a 16-member Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel.
This panel will guide both him and the CEO of the Social Health Authority (SHA) on implementing the new national health insurance plan.
In a special gazette notice issued on Wednesday, Duale announced that Professor Walter G. Jaoko would lead the panel as its chairperson. Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth was also named among the appointed members.
The official statement read: “By the powers granted under Regulations 41 (2) and 43 (1) of the Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024, the Cabinet Secretary for Health has established the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel.
The panel is expected to offer advice to the Cabinet Secretary and the Social Health Authority on the development and rollout of benefit packages as outlined in Regulation 40 (1).”
Other distinguished members of the panel include Nehemiah Odera, Margaret Macharia, Hajara El Busaidy, Robert Rapando, Gabriel Muswali, Mary Kigasia Amuyunzu-Nyamongo, Walter Oyamo Obita, Valeria Makory, Stephen Kaboro, Francis Motiri, Christine Wambugu, Tabitha Okech, Patricia Nyokabi, and Abdiaziz Abdikadir Ahmed.
All members are highly experienced medical professionals, and the panel is expected to serve for a period of three years.
Their appointment comes at a critical time, as Kenyans raise serious concerns about the structure and practicality of the SHA initiative.
Duale’s announcement also follows his firm stance on eliminating corrupt networks within the ministry that have long hindered service delivery. “I am ready to confront these cartels directly because I have the full support of President William Ruto,” he stated confidently.
In addition to the advisory panel, Duale has formed a separate 16-member special committee to investigate a growing scandal surrounding organ transplants in the country.
This move comes in the wake of disturbing reports linking Mediheal Hospital to suspicious and possibly illegal transplant operations.
According to another gazette notice, Duale said: “This is to inform the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Health has formed a committee known as the Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services.”
Professor Elizabeth Bukusi has been appointed as the chairperson of this committee, which will operate over a three-month period.
Its key responsibilities include probing the reported transplant cases, conducting a thorough audit of Mediheal Hospital, and interviewing involved parties such as transplant surgeons, nephrologists, anaesthetists, hospital staff, and patients—including both donors and recipients.
Furthermore, the committee will be tasked with reviewing existing health policies and examining the current legal and regulatory framework that governs organ and tissue transplant services in Kenya.
After completing their investigations, they will compile and submit a detailed report to CS Duale.
These reforms and investigations mark a significant turning point in Kenya’s health sector, as the ministry seeks to restore public trust and improve the quality of care provided to all citizens.
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