The health sector will receive Sh111.7 billion in the 2020-21 financial year that will boost Universal Health Coverage (UHC), tackle malaria, HIV and tuberculosis.
While presenting the budget yesterday, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani said to combat Covid-19, Sh1.2 billion will be sued to hire 5,000 health workers.
“Sh1.2 billion is proposed for the recruitment of an additional cohort of 5,000 healthcare workers to support local health staff for a period of one year. This will enhance our Covid-19 response capabilities and strengthen implementation of the universal health coverage programme,” said Mr Yatani.
He noted that an additional Sh500 million has been allocated to supply 20,000 locally made beds and bedclothes to public hospitals. Also, Sh25 million will be used to establish 50 modern walk-through sanitisers in main hospitals across the country.
“Evidently, the Covid-19 pandemic has overstretched our health care system. The Government has made significant efforts to contain the spread of the virus through various protocols and containment measures which entail the promotion of hygiene and restriction of movements,” said Yatani.
Most of the ongoing Covid-19 mitigation responses are being done outside the budget framework.
UHC has been allocated Sh50.3 billion, Sh19.2 billion to address HIV cases, malaria and tuberculosis, Sh6.2 billion for the Managed Equipment Services, Sh4.1 billion to cater for free maternity health care and Sh1.8 billion to provide medical cover for the elderly and severely disabled.