Kenyan Health Experts visit Japan for a UHC Study

The delegation composed of:

  • Mr. Jack Ranguma (Governor of Kisumu and the Health Chair of the Council of Governors)
  • Dr, Omar Ahmed Omar Mohamed (Deputy Head, Department of Policy, Planning and Healthcare Financing / Head of Division, Health Financing, Ministry of Health
  • Ms. Rhodah Wanjiku Njuguna (Ag. Director, Health Directorate, Health Council of Governers)
  • Dr. Andrew Mutava Mulwa (County Executive Committee Member for Health, County Government of Makueni / Chair, Country Executive Forum for Health)
  • Ms. Rachel Kaki Nyamai (Chairperson of the Health Committee, National Assembly, Parliament of Kenya)
  • Hon. Dr. James Wambura Nyikal (Member of the Health Committee, National Assembly, Parliament of Kenya)
  • Ms. Esther Waithera Nginyo (Health Committe Technical Advisor, National Assembly, Parliament of Kenya)
  • Dr. Amit Niranjan Thakker (Chairman, Kenya Healthcare Federation)

L to R : Mr. Jack Ranguma, Dr. Amit N. Thakker and Amb Solomon Maina

The team met the Kenyan Ambassador to Japan H.E Amb. Solomon Maina on 18th January and briefed him on the objective of the study tour that was facilitated by JICA.

The Vice-President of JICA warmly received the delegation from Kenya and looked forward to a fruitful collaboration between the two countries. Kenya team had several sessions with leaders from the government and private sector. The health experts shared the challenges and successes of the journey towards Universal Health Coverage in Japan and later demonstrated the overall benefits archived by the country especially in light of the aging population of the Nation.

Japan attained universal health coverage for its citizens in 1961 and currently spends about $ 4,000 per capita for comprehensive healthcare.

13% is the currently paid as out of pocket expenses. 48.6% is contributions from the employer and employee while 38.4% is the public subsidy.

The Kenyan team is extremely delighted to have been given this opportunity to learn from Japan. The plans are underway by the Ministry of Health in Kenya for an all- inclusive process towards making a difference in the much needed health finance pillar.

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