Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has called for stronger accountability, improved coordination and faster implementation of the Healthcare IT Digitisation Programme to ensure investments in digital health translate into better services for Kenyans.
Oluga made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the Healthcare IT Digitisation Programme Steering Committee at Afya House, where implementing agencies and project partners reviewed progress under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Digital Transformation Programme.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Safaricom Consortium, the Digital Health Authority (DHA), the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) and other implementing agencies.
Discussions focused on implementation progress, strengthening oversight, improving collaboration and ensuring the timely delivery of agreed project milestones.
Oluga outlined four priority areas to guide the programme’s next phase, emphasising the need to hold subcontractors accountable for their obligations and improve the tracking of project investments.
He said greater visibility of investments was necessary to promote transparency and ensure prudent use of public resources committed to the digitisation initiative.
The Principal Secretary also called for an accelerated rollout of infrastructure, information and communication technology (ICT) equipment and digital systems, stressing the importance of ensuring that the systems remain stable and reliable.
He further emphasised that investments in digital health must deliver tangible benefits to healthcare facilities, health workers and members of the public.
The priorities are aimed at strengthening implementation and ensuring that resources allocated to the programme translate into practical improvements in healthcare service delivery.
Oluga underscored the importance of closer collaboration among technical teams, project managers and implementing agencies to sustain progress and ensure agreed milestones are achieved within the required timelines.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to working with all partners to maximise the value of public investments and ensure the programme achieves its objectives.
The Healthcare IT Digitisation Programme is a key component of the government’s Taifa Care agenda, which supports the use of technology to strengthen healthcare delivery and advance Universal Health Coverage.
Digital health systems are intended to support the delivery of health services through improved coordination and the use of information technology across the healthcare sector.
The programme brings together government agencies and private-sector partners in an effort to advance the country’s digital health transformation.
The steering committee’s review is expected to inform efforts to strengthen accountability, address implementation challenges and improve coordination among the agencies responsible for delivering the programme.
Oluga’s emphasis on faster implementation and measurable benefits signals the Ministry’s focus on ensuring that digital health investments deliver practical outcomes for healthcare providers and the public.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to working with implementing partners to improve oversight, accelerate delivery and ensure that the digitisation programme supports the government’s broader Universal Health Coverage objectives.
