Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has strongly criticized Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over the handling of the Social Health Authority (SHA), urging him to show humility and listen to expert advice.
Speaking on Saturday, April 19, Khalwale called on the Director of Medical Services and the Health Principal Secretary to engage CS Duale with a proposal aimed at making SHA more effective.
“I urge the Director of Medical Services and the Health PS to use the opportunity given to you by the President. Go to the Health Cabinet Secretary’s office and advise him. I don’t know what Duale studied, but you are medical experts. Tell him to set aside his arrogance, sit down, and listen to your professional input,” Khalwale stated.
The Senator stressed that SHA’s success should not be measured by the number of people registering for it, but by the quality of healthcare services it delivers to Kenyans.
“SHA should not be praised merely because people have signed up. Its real value lies in the kind of healthcare services Kenyans receive. Don’t shy away—present a practical proposal that can help the CS develop a Cabinet paper to improve SHA,” he added.
Khalwale also raised concerns over the financial support SHA provides for patients in intensive care units (ICU), arguing that the allocated amount is far too low.
“They’ve allocated Ksh28,000 for ICU patients. That’s not enough. An ICU bed costs upwards of Ksh150,000. SHA must be revised to properly cover such critical medical expenses,” he said.
Aden Duale was appointed Health Cabinet Secretary following a Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto on March 26. He replaced Susan Nakhumicha, who was moved to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.
