Health CS Aden Duale/ ADEN DUALE/X
The Ministry of Health witnessed another change of leadership in less than a year, as Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa handed over to the new Health CS Aden Duale on Tuesday.
Dr Barasa officially moved to the Ministry of Environment, swapping dockets with Duale.
In her farewell speech at Afya House, Barasa reminisced journey the ministry had taken since her takeover eight months ago.
She said: “Over the past eight months, we have achieved significant milestones in the journey despite the challenges. Upon my assumption of office, the on-going mission to advance universal health coverage and available, accessible, affordable, quality healthcare for all Kenyans entered a new phase. We embarked on a trans-formative path with numerous dynamic elements striving to reshape the healthcare landscape, throughout this process we have navigated the critical early stages of implementing a comprehensive and inclusive national health insurance system, overcoming initial huddles and laying foundations for lasting reforms.”
She noted the implementation of four health laws to support
universal health coverage as one of the key achievements during her tenure.
Barasa took over from Kenya Kwanza’s first Health CS Susan Nakhumicha in August last year.
On his part, the incoming health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale promised to continue the good work accomplished by Barasa and also envisaged by the President in his plan to reform the health insurance scheme.
In his maiden speech, Duale said that the health of Kenyans is non-negotiable. He said he will intentionally fight and wipe out cartels in the health ministry, who have crippled service delivery to Kenyans to ensure all Kenyans have access to quality and affordable health services.
He said: “Every man, woman, and child in this country deserves access to world class healthcare which puts the patient at the heart of the system. Affordable, quality, and dignified, regardless of who they are or where they live. That is not just a government promise. It is a constitutional right. It is our moral responsibility
The outgoing CS thanked the president for entrusting her with such a ministry and wished the incoming CS all the best as he takes over.
