CS Duale unveils Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel
The formation of the Panel is mandated under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, with Duale tasked to oversee its establishment.
On Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale officially launched the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel, signaling a major move forward in the pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
This launch comes after the Panel was formally established through Gazette Notice No. 5044 dated April 23.
During the event, Duale emphasized the government’s strong dedication to realizing UHC, highlighting that strengthening health financing is a key component in reaching this objective.
"A healthier population is the cornerstone of a more prosperous nation," Duale remarked.
He further noted that setting up this Panel is a strategic investment in the country’s human capital and overall economic development.
The formation of the Panel is mandated under the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, with Duale tasked to oversee its establishment.
The Panel, consisting of experts from various fields, will be based at the University of Nairobi’s College of Health Sciences.
Its main responsibility is to provide guidance on the development and regular review of health benefits packages and tariffs within the Social Health Insurance system.
The Panel’s advice will be based on Health Technology Assessment (HTA), ensuring that all health interventions are evidence-based, equitable, cost-efficient, and aligned with the nation’s health priorities.
The Panel’s key responsibilities include designing and updating benefit packages based on the country’s disease burden and population health needs, as well as reviewing and adjusting tariffs to maintain affordability.
It is also charged with identifying essential health services that are currently unavailable and engaging with healthcare providers and the public to promote inclusive policymaking.
Duale urged the Panel to focus on pressing issues such as gaps in health data, high costs of treating chronic and complex diseases, the absence of pricing regulations, and the need for sustainable financing strategies.
He emphasized the importance of integrating donor-funded vertical programs into national benefit packages and exploring efficient models for outpatient and inpatient care.
Duale also called for strong collaboration among all stakeholders.
"Let us ensure that the benefits and tariffs we establish are inclusive, data-driven, cost-effective, and sustainable. The Ministry of Health is fully committed to supporting this effort," he stated.
The Panel is expected to convene at least twice annually and will be instrumental in guiding the nation’s journey toward accessible, high-quality healthcare for everyone.
