Silverio Omari
Health CS Nominee Debra Mlongo Barasa was the second to be vetted by the Appointments Committee of the National Assembly.
As the vetting continued, Speaker Moses Wetang’ula read her some of the comments and recommendations from Kenyans.
“Many have sent in their views to the members present in the committee including me,” Wetang’ula said.
“Debra, as we sit here, there are Kenyans who are watching and they have been sending in some SMSs to almost all of us.”
Some Kenyans said if she assumes office she should adopt bio-technology and diagnosis, and harmonise salaries for health workers who earn different salaries while doing the same job.
Others enquired on how she would tackle the issue of Edu-Afya, a comprehensive medical insurance coverage for students in public secondary schools registered with the National Educational Management Information System (NEMIS), that was allegedly stopped due to fraudulent claims.
Some praised her extensive experience in internal medicine and infectious diseases, hoping she would bring much-needed reforms to the health sector.
Another one advised her to work on tackling the issue of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff menace who allegedly receive half their salaries.
“Linda Mama must come back,” another Kenyan said.
Others expressed concerns about the challenges she would face, particularly in addressing issues like the posting of medical interns and the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“Ensure SHIF covers ICU costs which are unaffordable to many Kenyans,” another message read.
One posed a question to her enquiring how she would tackle the issue of Mpox, a viral infection signified by rashes on the skin.
Others emphasised the need for transparency, accountability, and the adoption of digital solutions in the health sector.
