DHA CEO Explains Referral System Amid SHA Outpatient Access Concerns
NAIROBI, Kenya, October 12 – The Digital Health Agency (DHA) is striving to link hospitals, health insurers, patients and medicine suppliers via digital platforms, aiming to enhance medical record sharing, safeguard patient data and diminish administrative delays. DHA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Lenayara discussed this during a Capital In The Morning interview, addressing concerns about outpatient access through Social Health Authority (SHA) amid criticisms from Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria.
Lenayara affirmed SHA's ongoing function and clarified the distinction between SHA's role in social health insurance management and the DHA's responsibility for digital health infrastructure. The agency, established under the Digital Health Act 2023, safeguards sensitive health data, ensures seamless information exchange, and standardises digital processes to boost healthcare accessibility.
Lenayara emphasized that patients should transition between Level 2 to Level 4 facilities for routine outpatient care rather than directly accessing Level 5 or 6 hospitals for basic services. This approach seeks to avoid overcrowding in referral hospitals, ensuring critical cases receive timely attention.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
