Kenya, Sept. 9 -- The Social Health Authority (SHA) has declared that it is working on implementing free ambulance services nationwide. At a public event, the authority's CEO, Mercy Mwangagi, stated that President William Ruto is expected to launch the service by the end of September.
Mwangangi announced that the government will introduce a telephone number that allows Kenyans to access ambulance services, no matter their location.
Mwangangi stated that ambulance services are priced at approximately Ksh4,500, and the authority will take care of that expense along with all medical costs incurred in the hospital during the initial 24 hours.
By the end of October, our president will initiate what we refer to as ambulance services through the SHA. "This will allow Kenyans to access ambulance services via their phones, no matter their location," Mwangangi stated.
"Simply give us a call, and an ambulance will be dispatched to your location. The cost is Ksh4,500, which will be fully covered by SHA.""It will then take you to the emergency centre, and if you experience an asthma attack, we will cover the expenses to ensure you recover," she added.
Mwangangi stated that the initiative will align with the government's objectives to facilitate the smooth implementation of the national insurance scheme and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Mwangangi's announcement follows closely on the heels of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) directing all ambulances and emergency care providers nationwide to register with the council, aiming to improve emergency healthcare services throughout the country.
On Monday, September 9, the Council's Chief Executive Officer, David Kariuki, announced in a public notice that all emergency care personnel, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ambulance operators, and other healthcare workers providing pre-hospital care, must register with the council.
Kariuki emphasised that registering the ambulance services will be crucial for ensuring that these services operate within regulated standards in the country, while also aiding the implementation of the emergency services aspect under the SHA Emergency, Critical Care, and Chronic Illness Fund.
The council urged ambulance service providers and emergency care personnel to submit their applications either via email to the council or in person at its offices. Application forms and comprehensive requirements can be downloaded from the Council's website.
"The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), in accordance with the Health Act, 2017, and the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253), hereby informs all ambulance service providers and emergency care personnel and technicians delivering medical services in Kenya to register with the Council," KMPDC announced.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.