Health

He explained that SHA is managed by a consortium of technology companies tasked with preventing fraudulent claims, a problem that plagued the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has dispatched officials to Kisii to aid in identifying the disease outbreak.

The flu is characterised by body weakness, dry coughs, headache, sore throat, fatigue, running nose, shortness of breath fevers and lack of appetite.

The mysterious illness has left residents experiencing severe diarrhea with bloody stools, fever, and intense headaches, with symptoms persisting for the past two weeks.

Nyutu warned that the failures in the health sector were not necessarily a result of the CS’s performance but rather deep-rooted structural problems.

Experts urge Kenya to recognise hearing loss as a disability and take concrete steps to make hearing care more accessible for all citizens.

By maintaining proper cleaning habits and storage practices, you can minimise your chances of recurrent UTIs and maintain a healthier home environment.

Perhaps the most controversial trend is the rise in diabetes drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro being flaunted as weight loss miracles.

Mudavadi stressed that the country can no longer rely on global donors to sustain Universal Health Coverage.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai dismissed claims of secrecy, assuring that the government is implementing safeguards to prevent abuse of the system.

Strengthening these preventive and treatment measures remains crucial in reducing the devastating impact of pneumonia on children in Kenya and across the world.

Narok Senator Ledama Olekina urged the government to introduce a system where manufacturers registered with Kemsa only dispense medicines upon payment.

Currently, the only approved TB vaccine is the BCG, which provides some protection to children but is not effective in preventing TB in adolescents and adults.

Despite efforts to control it, challenges like poor healthcare access, poverty, malnutrition, and displacement continue to fuel its spread.

Appearing before the Senate plenary on Wednesday, CS Barasa defended the NESP initiative, stating that it is a critical component of the Universal Health Coverage plan.

The freeze has also affected about 41,000 workers, mainly in the health sector, with counties struggling to absorb them.

According to reports, the pope is still receiving oxygen but has not suffered any further respiratory crises. A CT scan of his chest, performed on Tuesday, "showed a normal evolution" of the inflammation in his lungs, it added.

According to the ministry, Sh16.97 billion of the funds went toward Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) claims, while Sh1.33 billion was allocated to Primary Health Care capitation.

Years of mismanagement, corruption, and financial instability have left the healthcare system fragile hospitals remain underfunded, patients struggle to access care, and medical workers are overwhelmed.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) said the strike was necessary due to persistent frustrations faced by healthcare workers.

These include clear accreditation guidelines, a standardised claims submission process, and a digital tracking system to streamline payments.

The increase follows the rollout of the Facilities Improvement Fund, established after the enactment of the Facilities Improvement Financing Act, 2023.

This follows increased cases of suicide among the men, especially in Mpeketoni Division of Lamu West.

Despite reassurances from Health Cabinet Secretary and CoG Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi that there was no secrecy in the deal, senators remain unconvinced.

Speaking on the financial obligations, Ingasira acknowledged the outstanding payments but emphasised that efforts are being made to clear them.

This minimally invasive procedure is designed to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly.

RUPHA said new admissions under SHA or Medical Administrators Kenya Limited will only proceed if the cover provider guarantees upfront payment.

RUPHA, citing the crippling financial strain, announced that its members would no longer offer credit-based services due to the government's failure to remit payments.

The WMA is raising a red flag over the dangers of unqualified healthcare workers performing complex procedures like Cesarean sections, stressing that only fully trained and accredited specialists should be entrusted with such critical surgeries.

The move follows the detection of a polio case near the Kenya-Ethiopia border in October 2024, prompting urgent measures to prevent further spread.

Many of these projects were announced during President Ruto's development tours in response to public requests for improved infrastructure.

Despite significant progress in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Kenya, KMA and KOGS emphasised that compromising surgical safety would undo these gains.

The DCI has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious structures that may be used as drug laboratories.

With hospitals struggling financially, some have been auctioned, employees have lost their jobs, and doctors are now demanding cash payments before treating patients.

The legal challenges stem from gaps in the Mental Health Act, Cap 24, which mandates court rulings or directives for the release of patients admitted through legal orders.

Over the past decade, mpox, Marburg, and Ebola have collectively claimed tens of thousands of lives and cost billions of dollars in containment and mitigation efforts.

The Health Ministry shocked Parliament when it revealed that its development budget for the 2025/26 financial year faces a funding gap of Sh68 billion, which could severely impact the procurement of essential medical commodities.

The initiative aims to educate consumers on the dangers of products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, which have gained traction, particularly among young people.

Trump in January ordered a 90-day pause in all foreign development assistance pending assessment of its consistency with his "America First" foreign policy.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed SHA to roll out the new algorithm by February 28, saying it will make premium contributions more predictable.

Under the Access to Information Act 2016, there is no requirement for an applicant to justify why they need specific information from a public entity.

Beyond disease programmes, the USAID funding freeze has disrupted healthcare staffing, leading to the loss of 11,058 frontline workers.

Additionally, Sh2.5 billion is needed to secure GAVI vaccines, in light of disruptions caused by the U.S. aid freeze.

The latest SHA transition scorecard report identifies delays in receiving one-time passwords (OTPs) as the main cause.

A court order in December had placed temporary restrictions on the governance and financial operations of the hospital, which could potentially affect its ability to deliver services to thousands of patients daily.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in the prostate, a small gland in men that helps produce semen. It is one of the most common cancers in men, especially as they get older.