PS Dr. Ouma Oluga Urges United Action to Deliver Universal Health Coverage and Rebuild Trust in Health Sector
“Every one of us has a role to play. Public trust hinges on our performance, our delivery, and our leadership,” he stressed.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s resolve to ensure Universal Health Coverage (UHC) brings real and lasting benefits to Kenyans. Photo/Ministry of Health.
By Robert Assad
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s resolve to ensure Universal Health Coverage (UHC) brings real and lasting benefits to Kenyans.
Speaking during a strategy session with the Directorate of Policy, Digital Health, and Innovations, Dr. Oluga emphasized that regaining public trust in the health sector is an absolute priority.
“Our mission is to bring order to the health system, protect our people’s well-being, reduce disease, and cut mortality rates,” he said. “We must implement UHC in a way that is seamless and impactful to restore confidence among Kenyans.”
Calling for a fresh approach, Dr. Oluga urged staff at all levels to engage fully and work in unity. “Every one of us has a role to play. Public trust hinges on our performance, our delivery, and our leadership,” he stressed.
He reminded staff to consider their role through the lens of policy impact, insisting that their efforts should have lasting value. “Our work must outlive us.
The State Department of Medical Services must operate in harmony with the Ministry’s larger goals. Delivering our full mandate is essential to achieving our shared objectives.”
Dr. Oluga also called for a renewed focus on strengthening health systems, encouraging teams to prioritize actions that yield measurable results. “Our issue isn’t a lack of resources—it’s about smart prioritization. We must identify what works and scale it up.”
Highlighting the role of innovation, he urged strategic use of both existing and new resources. “We must align with the government’s health agenda and stay focused on the outcomes expected of us.”
Reinforcing his commitment to collaboration and accountability, Dr. Oluga reiterated his open-door policy and underscored that institutional stability depends on discipline, rule adherence, and a strong work ethic. “Give your best to the task at hand. Discipline, commitment, and clear purpose are critical.”
He concluded by reminding staff that meaningful change often starts with simple, consistent actions. “True transformation doesn’t always require complexity. Sometimes, it’s the straightforward, repeated steps that spark the biggest impact. We need bold but simple ideas that will ripple across the entire health system.”
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