The government is preparing to roll out free ambulance services across the country under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
During a public address, SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi revealed that President William Ruto is expected to officially launch the program before the end of September.
She explained that the initiative is designed to make emergency medical care more accessible to Kenyans, regardless of their location.
Mwangangi further stated that a dedicated telephone number will soon be unveiled, which Kenyans can call whenever they need ambulance services. This hotline will ensure that any person requiring urgent medical attention can get immediate help without worrying about the cost.
Currently, the cost of an ambulance trip averages around Ksh 4,500, but under the new plan, SHA will fully cover that amount. In addition, the authority will also pay for all the medical expenses incurred during the first 24 hours of treatment in hospital.
“By the end of October, our President will unveil the ambulance service program under SHA. Kenyans will be able to access an ambulance simply by calling us, no matter where they are. The service costs Ksh 4,500, but SHA will take care of that cost completely.
Once you are picked up, the ambulance will take you to the nearest emergency facility. For example, if you are suffering from an asthma attack, SHA will also pay for your medical care so that you can recover without financial stress,” Mwangangi explained.
She emphasized that the project is part of the government’s broader plan to successfully implement Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthen the national health insurance system. The aim is to ensure that no Kenyan is left behind when it comes to emergency healthcare.
The announcement comes shortly after the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) issued a directive requiring all ambulance service providers and emergency care operators across the country to register with the council.
This move is expected to streamline the sector and improve the quality of emergency response services.
In a public notice released on Monday, September 9, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki said the registration will also apply to paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ambulance operators, and other healthcare workers involved in pre-hospital care.
According to Kariuki, registering all emergency service providers will help establish clear regulations and ensure that ambulances operate under proper standards. It will also strengthen the rollout of emergency healthcare under the SHA’s Emergency, Critical Care, and Chronic Illness Fund.
The council has encouraged ambulance operators and emergency care personnel to submit their applications either via email or physically at the KMPDC offices. Application forms and a list of requirements have been made available on the council’s official website.
“The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), acting under the Health Act of 2017 and the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253), hereby notifies all providers of ambulance services, as well as emergency healthcare workers and technicians offering pre-hospital care in Kenya, to register with the Council,” the statement read.
Join Government Official WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
