Editor's Review

On Wednesday, President Ruto reassigned Duale to the Health docket, while CS Deborah Barasa was transferred to the Ministry of Environment.

The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) has welcomed Aden Duale's appointment as the new Health CS. 

In a statement on Thursday, March 27, RUPHA informed Duale that in the healthcare sector, negotiations are essential before the ministry makes any decisions. 

“Congratulations Aden Duale, and welcome to healthcare. Here we negotiate, our training as healthcare professionals inculcates the "do as I do" attitude and not the "do as I say" attitude. So we will copy your every step,” read the statement in part.

The association also urged Duale to set a good example in the Health Ministry by clearing NHIF arrears immediately.

RUPHA further asked Duale to constitute the Social Health Authority Benefits and Tariffs Committee, Dispute Resolution Tribunal, and Primary Healthcare Advisory Council.

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File image of RUPHA Chairman Dr. Brian Makamu Lishenga.

“Set a good example by paying NHIF arrears ASAP. Please note that SHA Benefits & Tariffs Committee, Dispute Resolution Tribunal, and Primary Healthcare Advisory Council are not in place,” RUPHA stated.

The association also stated that proxy means testing in SHA is unpopular among Kenyans and that Primary Healthcare funds have not been released for February 2025.

Additionally, cancer patients do not have access to the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund.

On Wednesday, President William Ruto made changes to his Cabinet, moving Duale to the health docket while CS Deborah Barasa was taken to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.

The Head of State also sacked Public Service CS Justin Muturi, replacing him with Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku.

Taking to his social media after being appointed the Health CS, Duale thanked President Ruto for the opportunity and said he is committed to engaging with all stakeholders to advance healthcare.

“In my new role, I remain committed to working with relevant stakeholders in driving government policies that strengthen healthcare delivery, ensuring accessible and quality services for all Kenyans. A key priority will be advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to guarantee equitable healthcare access, especially for vulnerable populations,” Duale remarked.