The Constitution and Healthcare

Written by K24 Business Desk
Tuesday, 24 August 2010 12:15


Insurance companies have been urged to create products targeting the low end market. This is expected to maximize the goal of providing every Kenyan with affordable healthcare.


Better health and development should be the top priority for this country, as we implement the new constitution.


Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Development Dr. James Nyikal, who was speaking during the launch of the African Development For Health And Development Plan for 2010-2015 emphasized the need for better health development as a way of giving back to society.


The PS spoke on a few new Constitutional clauses that imbed the social determination for health, such as the Bills of Rights in Chapter Four, that is revolutionary in placing health on the human rights platform, and the provision for mandatory health care. He noted the importance of the social empowerment of communities, through evidence-based programming, to meet their health needs, and influence stakeholders' input at the community level.


Mr Nyikal also added that the availability of funds and the Constitution-backed health interventions at the country level are a tremendous opportunity to improve healthcare in the rural areas, through community and stakeholders' participation.


The PS also said that Vision 2030 will focus with well identified healthcare flagship projects, and the economic stimulus programs provide strategies for changing the health status of people for the better.