PS Ouma Oluga inspects oncology services at KNH/HANDOUT The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Medical Services, Ouma Oluga, on Friday inspected oncology services at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) as part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery under the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework.
The visit focused on assessing service efficiency at the KNH Oncology Centre and evaluating how SHA administrative processes affect access to specialised cancer treatment.
During the visit, Oluga reviewed the full patient care workflow, paying particular attention to administrative procedures from pre-authorisation to invoicing.
He examined each stage of the process to identify potential bottlenecks that could delay treatment for cancer patients, noting that timely access to care is critical in oncology services.
Speaking at the facility, the Principal Secretary said the government was keen to ensure that administrative systems support the delivery of essential healthcare services.
He stressed that the SHA framework must function efficiently to guarantee uninterrupted care for patients requiring specialised treatment.
“Our priority is to make sure that no patient is denied or delayed care because of procedural or administrative challenges. The SHA system must work efficiently for both patients and healthcare providers,” Oluga said.
The inspection also included engagements with oncology patients, their families, and healthcare workers at the centre.
Oluga sought firsthand feedback on their experiences with service delivery and the operation of the SHA system.
Patients and staff raised concerns about approval turnaround times and the need for clearer communication regarding treatment authorisations and claims processing.
The PS said such feedback was essential in shaping reforms within the health sector.
He noted that insights from patients and frontline healthcare workers help policymakers understand the practical challenges faced on the ground.
“Listening to patients and staff helps us understand what is working and what needs to be fixed. Their experiences guide our reforms and policy decisions,” he said.
The Principal Secretary reassured patients and their families that the Ministry of Health had instituted measures to prevent administrative hurdles from interfering with access to specialised oncology services.
He explained that ongoing system improvements are aimed at streamlining approvals, strengthening accountability, and reducing delays in claims processing under the SHA framework.
“Cancer care is time-sensitive. We are committed to ensuring that all eligible patients can access oncology services without unnecessary interruptions,” Oluga said.
He added that Kenyatta National Hospital remains a critical pillar in Kenya’s referral healthcare system, particularly in the provision of specialised services such as cancer treatment.
The visit forms part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen universal health coverage and ensure that the SHA system delivers on its mandate of equitable, patient-centred healthcare.
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