Ruto to Launch Free Ambulance Services for Kenyans – How It Will Work

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced that it is in the process of introducing free ambulance services across the country.
Speaking during a public event, the authority’s CEO, Mercy Mwangagi, claimed that President William Ruto will launch the service by the end of September.
Mwangangi said that thegovernment will also roll out a telephone numberthrough which Kenyans can access the ambulance services, regardless of where they are.
According to Mwangangi, ambulance services cost about Ksh4,500 and the authority will cover that cost in addition to all the medical expenses that will be incurred in the hospital in the first 24 hours.
“By the end of October, our president will launch what we call ambulance services through the SHA. This will enable Kenyans to access ambulance services through their phone regardless of where they are,” Mwangangi stated.
“You will only be required to call us, and the ambulance will come wherever you are, which costs Ksh4,500 and shall be paid fully by SHA.  It will then take you to the emergency centre, and if you have an asthma attack, we shall cater for the expenses so that you may get well,” she added.
Mwangangi affirmed that the move will be in line with the government’s agenda to ensure the seamless rollout of the national insurance scheme and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The announcement by Mwangangi comes just hours after the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) directed all ambulances and emergency care providers across the country to register with the council in a bid to enhance emergency healthcare services in the country.
In a public notice on Monday, September 9, the Council’s Chief Executive Officer, David Kariuki, said that all emergency care personnel, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ambulance operators, and other healthcare workers delivering pre-hospital care, will also be required to register with the council.
Kariuki asserted that theregistration of the ambulance services will be pivotalin ensuring that ambulance services work within regulated standards in the country, in addition to supporting the operationalisation of the emergency services component under the SHA Emergency, Critical Care, and Chronic Illness Fund.
The council encouraged the ambulance service providers and emergency care personnel to ensure that they submit their applications either by email to the council or physically at its offices. Application forms and detailed requirements are available for download from the Council’s website.
“The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), pursuant to the Health Act, 2017 and the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Act (Cap 253), hereby notifies all providers of ambulance services and emergency care personnel and technicians providing medical services in Kenya to register with the Council,” KMPDC stated.