NAIROBI, Kenya – The Ministry of Health has announced that all Primary Health Care (PHC) services will remain free at public Level 2 to Level 4 hospitals, as well as at contracted private and faith-based facilities, in a bid to ease the financial burden on Kenyans seeking medical attention.
In a statement issued on Sunday, August 10, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the move is fully funded by the Government of Kenya through the Primary Health Care Fund and applies to services provided under the Social Health Authority (SHA) network.
“This applies to all Primary Health Care services provided at public Level 2 to Level 4 hospitals, as well as SHA-contracted private and faith-based facilities,” Duale noted, adding that the measure aims to remove financial barriers and guarantee access to quality care for all citizens.
What’s Covered Under the Free PHC Package
Patients visiting the designated facilities will receive:
Consultation, diagnosis, and treatment at no cost.
Laboratory investigations and basic radiological exams, including X-rays and ultrasounds.
Prescription processing, drug administration, and dispensing.
Health education, wellness promotion, counselling, and follow-up support.
The package also includes management of both acute and chronic illnesses, treatment for non-communicable diseases, enteric infections, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. Mental health services such as counselling, education, and psychosocial support are also covered.
Additional Services
Screening for common health conditions at no cost.
Minor outpatient procedures performed in procedure rooms or under local anaesthesia.
Immunization services under the Kenya Expanded Program on Immunization (KEPI), including special vaccines recommended by the Ministry of Health.
Reproductive, maternal, and child health services, including antenatal and postnatal care.
Eligibility
To benefit from the program, patients must be registered with the Social Health Authority.
“The directive ensures that every Kenyan, regardless of income or location, can access quality care without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses,” Duale said.
This announcement comes amid recent enforcement actions by SHA, which has suspended several health facilities and withdrawn the rights of eight doctors over alleged fraud involving medical claims.
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