The Ministry of Health has directed that all Primary Health Care (PHC) services will remain free at public Level 2 to Level 4 hospitals.
In an update on Sunday, August 10, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the services will also be free at contracted private and faith-based facilities.
"This applies to all Primary Health Care (PHC) services provided at public Level 2 to Level 4 hospitals, as well as SHA contracted private and faith-based facilities, fully funded by the Government of Kenya through the Primary Health Care Fund," the CS said.
Under the directive, patients visiting the covered facilities will receive free consultation, diagnosis and treatment, as well as prescribed laboratory investigations.
Basic radiological examinations, including X-rays and ultrasounds, will also be provided at no cost.
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The package further covers prescription processing, drug administration and dispensing, alongside health education, wellness promotion, counselling and ongoing support for patients.
The free services extend to the management of both acute and chronic conditions, and also cover the treatment of non-communicable diseases, enteric infections and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Further, mental health care will also be available, with provisions for education, counselling and psychosocial support.
Screening for common health conditions will be offered free of charge, as well as minor outpatient procedures carried out either in a procedure room or under local anaesthesia.
Immunization services will continue to be provided under the Kenya Expanded Program on Immunization (KEPI) and will include special vaccines recommended by the Ministry of Health.
In addition, reproductive, maternal and child health services, including antenatal and postnatal care, will be offered at no cost.
The Ministry of Health urged Kenyans to take full advantage of the services, noting that patients only need to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to be eligible.
"By removing financial barriers to these essential services, the directive ensures that every Kenyan, regardless of income or location, can access quality care without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses," Duale added.
