The Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) has launched its inaugural strategic plan for the period of 2023 to 2027.
The plan is meant to be used as a guideline for the implementation of its strategic initiatives focusing on key result areas such as health professional regulation, right to health, strategic information, health service delivery, research and innovation and institutional capacity development.
Speaking at the launch event, principal Secretary of the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni Muriuki stressed on the importance of oversight to ensure quality health services.
“I am not adequate enough without you to fully understand what exactly happens on the ground or within each regulatory body your involvement is essential to ensure that management and secretaries are diligently collecting information from various regulatory bodies and providing us with clear direction.”
She added: “This will enable the State Department to plan more effectively by setting and upholding stringent standards, the Kenya Health Professionals Oversight Authority plays a critical role in safeguarding the integrity, competence, and professionalism of healthcare practitioners, ultimately enhancing the quality and safety of healthcare services nationwide.”
KHPOA was founded in accordance with the Health Act 21 of 2017. In a bid to exercise. Oversight over health services nationwide.
Terming the strategic plan as a step in the right direction the PS insisted on the need for a collaborative effort to ensure implementation thus ensuring a sustainable health outcome for all Kenyans.
“I am delighted to be here for the unveiling of the inaugural Strategic Plan. This significant milestone highlights our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of healthcare delivery and professional practice across the country. When we discuss quality of care, standards, affordability, and availability, it is all encompassed here, and we must have someone to coordinate. We need someone to regulate and oversee these efforts. While we may have many regulatory bodies, without proper oversight, our goals cannot be fully achieved this where KHPOA comes in.”
In this strategic plan KHPOA has identified certain Strategic issues including uncoordinated and conflicting health professional regulations. Unregulated healthcare dealers. Quality of health service provision in the country.
Misinformation about the authorities mandate and its function. Resistance to health regulatory oversight. Inadequate staffing, inadequate corporate level resources. Harmonizing health facilities regulations across the country. The chairperson of KHPOA Board of Directors.
Dr Amit Thakker has however expressed the meticulous research and effort that went into the strategic plan and what it will take the organization to overcome its weaknesses. He echoed the PS’s sentiments on the importance of oversight and their role as an organization to ensure that every Kenya has the best possible health outcome.
“Development of this strategic plan has been an incredible and meticulous endeavor. Considering both the macro and micro operating environments that influence organization.
Inspiration from global health frameworks such as the World Health Organizations Essential Health Pillars and Africa’s Agenda 2063, our plan is firmly anchored in the pursuit of sustainable health outcomes for all Kenyans.”
