Fee-for-service model boosts healthcare access in counties, says Health CS Duale

Kenya’s push for Universal Health Coverage is gaining momentum through a nationwide rollout of modern medical equipment in county hospitals, with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale saying the programme is making advanced diagnostic services more accessible and reducing pressure on major referral facilities.

Duale said the government is implementing the National Equipment Support Programme to strengthen county health systems by installing advanced diagnostic machines, including CT scanners and radiology units, closer to communities. He noted that the approach is designed to reduce long-distance travel for patients seeking specialised care and improve early detection of illnesses.

Speaking on Thursday, the CS said the programme is being delivered through cooperation between the national government and county governments, with a focus on expanding access to critical diagnostic and specialist services across the country.

He explained that the initiative uses a “fee-for-service” model, which allows hospitals to access and use modern equipment without making large upfront purchases.

Through this system, counties are being equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as CT scanners, radiology machines, and other specialised equipment, enabling patients to receive services within their local facilities instead of being referred to distant national hospitals.

“This innovative ‘fee-for-service’ model — instead of costly upfront purchases — is reducing travel distances for thousands of Kenyans,” he said, adding that the goal is to ensure faster access to essential health services at the county level.

Duale said the expansion of diagnostic infrastructure is a key pillar in achieving equitable healthcare under the Universal Health Coverage plan, adding that it is improving service delivery across many counties.

He said the rollout is already transforming healthcare access, especially in maternal and newborn care, where early diagnosis plays a major role in treatment and safety outcomes.

The CS said the government under the President’s agenda is focused on ensuring that citizens can access quality healthcare closer to where they live, without the burden of travelling long distances for basic specialised services.

He pointed to Bungoma County as an example, saying the installation of modern diagnostic equipment has reduced referrals to major hospitals such as Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Kenyatta National Hospital.

Duale said improved diagnostic access is also strengthening maternal healthcare, allowing medical staff to monitor pregnancies more closely and detect complications earlier.

He explained that modern imaging tools now allow clinicians to track both maternal and fetal health in real time, helping doctors make quicker and safer decisions on delivery methods such as surgery or normal birth.

He also suggested that improved county-level capacity could reduce the need for patients to travel across counties or even across borders in search of better services, as more people rely on local facilities.

According to him, some counties may even begin attracting patients from neighbouring regions due to improved diagnostic and treatment capacity.

On medical supplies, Duale referred to the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, saying improved funding has strengthened the availability of essential medicines in public hospitals.

He said county health officials are now more likely to find required drugs in stock, noting that most facilities can access a wide range of essential medicines through the system.

He said, “If you ask KEMSA for ten medicines today, they have nine of them,” pointing to improved supply consistency across the health sector.

Duale said the combined reforms in medical equipment, service delivery, and supply chain management are aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and ensuring citizens receive timely, affordable, and quality services within their counties.