The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering Universal Health Coverage (UHC) that truly benefits Kenyans.
Speaking during a strategy meeting with the Directorate of Policy, Digital Health, and Innovations, Dr. Oluga said that restoring public trust in the health system remains a top priority.
“Our work must restore order to the health sector, promote the health of our people, reduce the burden of disease, and lower mortality rates,” said Dr. Oluga.
He emphasized that the implementation of UHC must be smooth, effective, and visible to all Kenyans in order to rebuild confidence in the health system.
Dr. Oluga urged ministry staff to embrace a new way of working and to collaborate fully. “Everyone must contribute and work together. Public trust depends on how we show up, how we deliver, and how we lead,” he said.
He challenged staff to reflect on the Ministry’s role in policy-making and service delivery, saying their work must leave a lasting impact.
“What you do must outlive you. The work of the State Department of Medical Services must align with the broader Ministry agenda.”
Dr. Oluga also called for the reorganization and strengthening of the country’s health systems, saying that results should be measurable and impactful. He noted that the challenge was not a lack of resources, but rather how they are prioritized.
“We must focus on what works and scale it,” he said.
Innovation, he said, should drive both how current resources are used and how new ones are brought in. “Let’s be strategic. We must align our efforts with the government’s health agenda to stay focused on what the country expects us to achieve.”
The PS reiterated his open-door policy, encouraging teamwork and accountability across the board. He said institutional stability could only be achieved through discipline, respect for rules, and a strong work ethic.
“Apply yourself fully to the task at hand. Discipline, commitment, and clarity of purpose are key,” he told staff.
Dr. Oluga concluded by reminding staff that impactful change doesn’t always require complicated solutions.
“Real transformation isn’t always about complex solutions. Sometimes, it’s the simple things we do consistently that create the greatest impact. We need big, straightforward ideas that will have a ripple effect across the system,” he said.
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