Chege calls for mandatory use of public hospitals by state officers to boost health care funding
Speaking on a motion urging the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Chege said the public health care system remains underfunded, contributing to poor service delivery.
Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege. Photo/Parliament of Kenya.
By Robert Assad
Nominated Member of Parliament Sabina Chege has called for the mandatory use of public health care facilities by public officers to bolster the quality and funding of Kenya’s public health sector.
Speaking on a motion urging the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Chege said the public health care system remains underfunded, contributing to poor service delivery.
She argued that compelling civil servants, public officers and state officers to utilize their comprehensive government-sponsored medical covers at public hospitals would inject critical financial resources into the system, enhancing infrastructure and services.
“There is an urgent need to improve the quality of care in our public health facilities,” Chege told lawmakers. “These facilities are underutilized, while public officers often opt for private care, yet their medical expenses are covered by the taxpayer.”
Chege noted that government employees are already entitled to generous medical insurance through respective agencies. Channeling those funds into public hospitals would not only reduce wastage but also increase confidence in the state-run health system.
The lawmaker emphasized that improved service delivery through increased usage and funding would support the national rollout of UHC, a cornerstone of President William Ruto’s health agenda. She also urged Parliament to formulate a national policy framework to make the proposed requirement enforceable.
The motion comes amid ongoing reforms in the health sector, including efforts to digitize health records, harmonize human resource management, and decentralize primary care to the grassroots level. Parliament is expected to debate and vote on the proposal in the coming weeks.
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