The Ministry of Health has announced that all Primary Health Care (PHC) services will remain free at public Level 2 to Level 4 hospitals.
In a statement on Sunday, August 10, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the directive will also apply to contracted private and faith-based facilities.
“This applies to all Primary Health Care (PHC) services provided at public Level 2 to Level 4 hospitals, as well as SHA-contracted private and faith-based facilities, fully funded by the Government of Kenya through the Primary Health Care Fund,” said Duale.
Under the policy, patients visiting the listed facilities will access free consultation, diagnosis and treatment, as well as prescribed laboratory investigations. Basic radiological examinations, including X-rays and ultrasounds, will also be offered at no cost.
The package will cover prescription processing, drug administration and dispensing, alongside health education, wellness promotion, counselling and ongoing support for patients.
According to Duale, the free services will cater for the management of both acute and chronic illnesses, including non-communicable diseases, enteric infections and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS. Mental health care will also be provided, including education, counselling and psychosocial support.
Patients will also receive free screening for common conditions, as well as minor outpatient procedures performed in procedure rooms or under local anaesthesia.
Immunisation services will continue under the Kenya Expanded Program on Immunisation (KEPI), including special vaccines recommended by the Ministry of Health. Reproductive, maternal and child health services — including antenatal and postnatal care — will also be provided at no cost.
The Ministry urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from the package.
“By removing financial barriers to these essential services, the directive ensures that every Kenyan, regardless of income or location, can access quality care without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses,” Duale stated.
