Details about Health CS nominee Debrah Mulongo Barasa

Dr Debrah Mulongo Barasa, 38, with more than 18 years of experience in internal medicine, has been nominated as the new cabinet secretary for health. If approved by the Parliament, she will take over from Susan Nakhumicha whose two-year tenure was marred by medics strike.

Dr Barasa is a medical doctor specialising in internal medicine and serves as an Infectious Disease Expert at the World Health Organisation (WHO).

She has collaborated with various organisations focusing on infectious disease prevention and control, including her current role at the WHO on contract.

Barasa served as a Medical Consultant Physician on contract at The Mater Hospital from January 2008 to June 2020, accumulating 12 years and 6 months of experience in Nairobi County, Kenya. Before this role, she completed an apprenticeship as a Senior House Officer/Senior Registrar at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Dr Barasa pursued her medical education at the University of Nairobi, completing her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in Medicine in 2006. She subsequently undertook her Master's in Medicine in Internal Medicine Residency Program from 2012 to 2015 at the same institution.

The appointment of Debra has sparked a mixed response among netizens.

Dr Davji Atella, Secretary General of KMPDU, who spoke to Eastleigh Voice said doctors welcome her to the healthcare docket.

“We warmly welcome her to the important responsibility of ensuring quality healthcare systems for all Kenyans, as well as fair conditions for healthcare workers,” said Atella.

He highlighted Debra's expertise as a specialist physician, expressing optimism. “We believe she will swiftly address challenges such as internship disputes and the constitutionality of the social health authority.”

KMPDU Congratulated Dr Barasa on her appointment. "We warmly welcome her to the dutiful responsibility of ensuring quality health care systems for all Kenyans, including decent work for all health workers."

KMPDU Congratulates Dr. Deborah Mulongo Baraza on her appointment at the Cabinet Secretary for Health.

We warmly welcome her to the dutiful responsibility of ensuring quality health care systems for all Kenyans, including decent work for all health workers. pic.twitter.com/xFgXKxdj6k

— KMPDU (@kmpdu) July 19, 2024

On the X platform, some users expressed dissatisfaction, citing concerns about her deregistration due to the non-renewal of her medical practising license. Despite this, other users have come to her defence.

@kanzprecious1 said, “Health CS nominee Deborah Baraza Mulongo was among the doctors removed from the register for noncompliance with section 14 of the medical Practioner and dentist acts.”

Deborah Barasa sounds like another Nakhumincha my lawdd!!! Turudi maandamano 🤣🤣

— Mbiti Mwondi MD (@mbiti_mwondi) July 19, 2024

@kianangih on his x handle said, “When you don't practice clinical medicine and more into the research you don't pay for your @kmpdcofficial license if she wishes to go back to seeing patients, she will pay for a license to be compliant."

Dr Debra Mulongo Barasa is among those listed by @KmpdcOfficial to no longer practice medicine in Kenya...
This was listed in the year 2020
Someone should answer this and she must be grilled on what led to this... pic.twitter.com/UAS4bXvIhi

— Ian Kiplangat (@iankiplangat01) July 19, 2024