Kenya will soon have its own version of the '911' emergency response system, with the official launch set for the end of October.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 9, the Social Health Authority (SHA) CEO Mercy Mwangangi confirmed that President William Ruto will unveil the service.
Mwangangi explained that the new system will transform emergency healthcare by ensuring that help is just a phone call away.
"By the end of October, President Ruto will be launching ambulance services. When you watch TV you hear about 911, Kenya is about to get its own 911 by the end of October.
"This means that as a Kenyan, wherever you are, you will be able to dial that number and an ambulance will be sent to you," she said.
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Mwangangi added that the service will be free for all Kenyans, with SHA taking responsibility for the full cost of the emergency response.
"We will not pay for the ambulance; SHA will cover the cost of Ksh4,500," she added.
This comes barely a day after the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has issued a directive requiring all ambulance services and emergency care providers in the country to register with the regulatory body.
In a notice issue on Monday, September 8, KMPDC said the directive covers all ambulances, regardless of ownership, as well as emergency care personnel including paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ambulance operators, and other healthcare workers delivering pre-hospital care.
The regulator noted that the registration is aimed at standardizing emergency care services nationwide and enhancing the quality of pre-hospital healthcare.
KMPDC also explained that the move is necessary for supporting the operationalization of the emergency services component under the Social Health Authority’s Emergency, Critical Care, and Chronic Illness Fund.
"The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), pursuant to the Health Act, 2017 and the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253), hereby notifies all providers of ambulances services and emergency care personnel/technicians providing medical services in Kenya to register with the Council. Ambulance services play a critical role in the continuum of emergency patient care services," the notice read.
With the deadline for submission set for Monday, September 15, the council warned that failure to comply with the directive will result in sanctions, including prohibition from operating ambulances or providing emergency medical services.
