14th November 2022
This morning the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) paid a courtesy call to The Ministry of Health (MOH) and held fruitful discussions with The CS of Health Susan Wafula, The Ag. DG Health Dr Patrick Amoth, the head of Standards Dr Simon Kibias.
KMA was fully represented by its President Dr Simon Kigondu, Vice President Dr Amos Otara, Secretary General Dr Diana Marion, Assistant Secretary General Dr Elizabeth Gitau, Treasurer General Dr Lyndah Kemunto and KMA CEO Dr Brenda Obondo.
KMA congratulated the CS Health for her appointment and appreciated Her as a role model to the Kenyan girl.
The Kenya Medical Association was able to give a brief history of the association, elaborated on its role in the Kenyan healthcare system, highlighted achievements made over the years, explain the role played in collaboration with the past national and county governments, and articulated the challenges and key asks of the doctors.
The CS highlighted that Kenya has good health policies and that the focus during her enure would be to implement these policies. She also expressed support for quality training through integrating emerging issues in health in the medical training curricula.
KMA and MOH agreed that it takes a collaborative effort to achieve quality healthcare and that the actualisation of Universal Health Coverage is a priority. It was also agreed that there is need for self-regulation within the medical profession and the role KMA plays in KMPDC was acknowledged.
Some of the immediate outcomes of the meeting were:
• KMA was incorporated into the Ebola taskforce and other MOH technical workings groups, and a partnership initiated towards efforts on pandemic preparedness.
• KMA and MOH to work together on addressing matters on human resources for health, climate change’s impact on health and digital development in health.
• MOH will participate in the upcoming KMA Annual Scientific Conference in 17th – 21st May 2023, whose theme focuses on UHC and Climate change
• MOH committed to support KMA in its global engagements such as facilitating participation in World Medical Association activities and World Health Assembly.
• MOH committed to participate in and support KMA as it hosts the WMA Council Session at Ole Sereni Emara, Nairobi on April 20th – 23rd 2023
• MOH committed to support the installation of Dr. Anne Kihara as FIGO president 2023-2025.
• A direct communication line was established direct between KMA and MOH to ensure continuous collaboration.
STATEMENT KENYA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION COURTESY CALL TO MINISTRY OF HEALTH