Health CS nominee proposes telemedicine technology to curb corruption, cut costs

Health Cabinet Secretary nominee Debrah Barasa has proposed using digital platforms to reduce human-to-human interaction in the country to curb corruption in the health sector.

Appearing before the Committee on Appointments on Thursday, Barasa said Kenyans should embrace telemedicine which will reduce the cost of healthcare in the country.

Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technologies to support the remote delivery of all kinds of medical, diagnostic, and treatment-related services usually by doctors.

“It is important that we think strategically, involve the various stakeholders, the national technical working group, the PS, and DGs to conduct a situational analysis to see where the gaps are. In my opinion, we need to strengthen the processes and procedures that exist. And one of the ways is to use digital platforms. That way we will reduce the human to human interaction. I believe it is time that Kenyans embraced telemedicine,” she said.

“We can be able to track say for instance, how a Panadol from batch 001 gets from the national level to the patient's hand. And so we will be able to ensure that there will be a seamless flow.”

She added that if appointed to the Ministry, she will also involve the external bodies to monitor the challenges involved in the digital platform and have routine meetings and feedback.

“Additionally, we need to have accountability and visibility frameworks and also work together with the various commissions to address the issues of corruption,” she said.

Regarding the challenges faced in the shift from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Debrah said she would consult stakeholders to address the issues.

“With the gaps and challenges facing the shift from NHIF to SHIF, my approach is a consultative one. We need to conduct a situational analysis to understand the challenges and from there come up with interventions. I have seen the strength of having processes and procedures. It is critical to bring all stakeholders together. We also need to involve the community and ensure they are well-informed,” she said.

Debrah is the second candidate appearing before the Appointments Committee Chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. She holds a Master of Medicine Internal Medicine, from the University of Nairobi.

She is a qualified medical doctor with over 18 years of medical expertise and public health professional background.