Duale Declares Free Healthcare in Level 2–4 Facilities

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), announcing that all Primary Health Care (PHC) services in public Level 2 to Level 4 facilities are now fully free across the country.

In a statement released on X on Saturday, Duale emphasised that all registered Kenyans under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) should not be asked to pay for any primary care services.

“As part of our commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), I wish to reaffirm that all Primary Health Care (PHC) services are fully free of charge in all public Level 2 to Level 4 health facilities across the country,” Duale stated.

He added that the free services include clinical consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment for both acute and chronic illnesses, mental health support, maternal and child health care, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS.

Also included are basic radiological services such as X-rays and ultrasounds, prescribed laboratory tests, medication dispensing, health education, counselling, immunisations under the KEPI schedule, and minor outpatient procedures conducted under local anaesthesia.

“No patient should be asked to pay for PHC services under any circumstances,” Duale said, noting that Kenyans registered with SHIF have already been activated in the system to access the benefits.

The CS urged all county governments and health workers to enforce the policy effectively to ensure every eligible Kenyan receives timely and dignified health care.

The Ministry of Health regards the full implementation of free PHC services as a major milestone in President William Ruto’s health reforms. These reforms are part of the broader UHC agenda, which was officially launched in October 2023.

The Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, anchors the programme and introduced three new funds: the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the Chronic Illness and Emergency Fund, and the Primary Healthcare Fund.

These funds aim to expand access to affordable and equitable healthcare, ensuring that no Kenyan faces financial hardship when seeking essential health services.

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Duale Declares Free Healthcare in Level 2–4 Facilities