Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga has called for sustainable healthcare financing, increased investment in local research and innovation, and the development of a competent and compassionate health workforce as Kenya advances reforms towards Universal Health Coverage.
He said healthcare financing must be anchored in transparency and accountability, highlighting the role of the Social Health Authority (SHA) in strengthening health financing and improving reimbursements to healthcare providers.
Oluga spoke on Sunday in Nyeri while presiding over the 25th anniversary celebrations of Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital (OTRH).
“Healthcare financing must be anchored in transparency and accountability. We must strengthen systems that support healthcare providers while ensuring that Kenyans can access quality healthcare without being pushed into financial hardship.”
The Principal Secretary commended the Outspan Academic and Healthcare Ecosystem, comprising OTRH and Outspan Global University, for integrating healthcare delivery, medical education, research and innovation.
He said the model demonstrates how science, clinical practice and research can work together to improve healthcare.
Oluga also recognised the role of institutions such as Outspan in bringing specialised healthcare services closer to communities and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances in search of quality care.
The PS underscored the need to develop healthcare professionals who combine technical competence with compassion.
He urged training institutions to nurture responsibility, courage and commitment among students to strengthen patient-centred care.
The PS also called for greater investment in research, development and locally driven innovation to strengthen Kenya’s health security.
He said local capacity was particularly important during pandemics and disruptions in the supply of essential health products and technologies, when reliance on solutions developed outside the country can create vulnerabilities.
Oluga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with institutions such as Outspan to strengthen healthcare delivery, health professions training, research and innovation.
He said the government was also focused on protecting households from the financial burden of illness and reducing preventable deaths.
Oluga welcomed Outspan’s ambition to attain Level 6 status and become a fully-fledged university teaching and referral hospital, assuring the institution of continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
During the celebrations, Oluga launched the Outspan Teaching and Referral Hospital and Outspan Global University Strategic Plan 2026–2035.
The 10-year roadmap focuses on expanding specialised healthcare services, health professions training, research and innovation, and digital health.
It also outlines the planned transition of OTRH into a Global Reference University Teaching, Research and Referral Hospital.
The Silver Jubilee marked 25 years since Outspan began as an outpatient facility in 2001 before growing into an integrated academic and healthcare institution serving the Mt Kenya region and beyond.
Oluga was accompanied by Principal Secretary for the State Department for East African Community Caroline Karugu.
Also present were Outspan Global University Vice Chancellor Paul Mbugua, OTRH Executive Director Geoffrey Kiruhi, Medical Superintendent Peter Murimi, Bishop Gerald Mureithi, members of the clergy, a representative of the Nyeri County Commissioner, representatives from the public and private health sectors, hospital staff, students and other stakeholders.
