Senate Committee on Health Discusses Digital Health Bill With Key Stakeholders
In a significant move towards enhancing digital health, the Senate Committee on Health, led by Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, convened a pivotal discussion today. Stakeholders from various sectors, including government agencies, patient representatives, private bodies, development partners, and faith-based organizations, assembled to deliberate on the proposed Digital Health Bill.
Government entities in attendance included the Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors. The private sector was represented by associations such as the Federation of Kenya Employers and the Kenya Healthcare Federation. Notably, faith organizations like the Kenya Faith-Based Health Services Consortium also participated.
The Digital Health Bill, which was recently introduced to the Senate, is set to bring transformative change to Kenya’s healthcare system. Its primary objective is to establish a Digital Health Agency and roll out an integrated health information system.
A principal aim of the bill is to encourage health tech innovation, with a particular focus on emergency responsiveness and disease surveillance. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring patient data privacy and the secure transfer of health records, both domestically and internationally. It also intends to introduce regulations for e-waste management and to establish standards for m-Health and telemedicine.
After the bill’s introduction, the Health Committee sought public feedback and invited memoranda on the legislation. “Today’s inclusive meeting, encompassing diverse stakeholder perspectives, marks a collaborative step forward in shaping the future of digital health in Kenya, prioritizing both innovation and patient safety,” said Senator Mandago.
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