Duale: Digital health system will curb cartels and secure patient data

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has assured Kenyans of the security of their health data as the government rolls out a new digital health system aimed at transforming healthcare services.

While appearing before the Senate Delegated Legislation Committee, Duale urged citizens to support the reforms, emphasizing that the system is designed to unify patient records and is built with robust security measures.

“I would like to assure Kenyans that their health data will be safe with the health data controllers implementing secure network infrastructure,” he stated.

Duale highlighted that the system has multiple security layers, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessments, to ensure protection against unauthorized access.

He also underscored that the digital health system will help monitor the supply of medicines to public health facilities through the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA), reducing inefficiencies and losses.

The CS dismissed concerns that the system is being hosted outside the country, insisting that the data remains under local control.

“We cannot give the health data of our citizens to outsiders, foreigners, and foreign countries. That touches on the sovereignty of our country,” he said. “I want to assure that this system is Kenyan owned. We have put all the safeguards. Kenyan run.”

Duale, who was recently appointed to the Health docket, explained that the system is part of broader government regulations aimed at revolutionizing the health sector.

The Digital Health Agency, which will oversee the implementation, is tasked with ensuring the protection of all health records through a strict governance framework.

“No person or entity shall access health data unless authorized by the client or the health data controller,” he told Senators, adding that the new system will facilitate evidence-based health financing.

By sealing loopholes that have previously enabled fraud in the insurance sector, the government aims to eliminate cartels that have siphoned billions from the sector.

The CS assured Kenyans that the Taifa Care initiative, designed to provide essential healthcare services to vulnerable groups, will be implemented efficiently under his leadership.

“I am one week old in this docket, but I promise Kenyans that I will ensure that despite not being a medical professional, I will ensure that citizens get quality medical care by having Taifa Care working to serve all Kenyans who are in need,” he said.

Duale further noted that the digital system will help eradicate unqualified individuals posing as medical practitioners, a challenge that has led to preventable deaths.

He called on Kenyans to support the initiative, stating, “I am beseeching Kenyans to give the government a chance to implement the changes in the health sector which are meant for the good of the citizens.”

He informed the Senate that the Kenya Health Data Governance Framework will be the primary reference for managing health data, overseeing its collection, access, and sharing.

The Digital Health Agency will also ensure compliance with the framework’s guidelines to maintain data integrity.

The comprehensive health system includes multiple components such as infrastructure development, technology integration, training of healthcare personnel, and long-term system maintenance.

It is designed to benefit all Kenyans by improving efficiency and accessibility in healthcare services.

The Health Information Exchange (HIE) is expected to unify patient records across all levels of healthcare, ensuring that every Kenyan receives better-coordinated medical attention.