The Ministry of Health has dismissed reports published in one of the newspapers in the country about National Equipment Service Program (NESP) on December 3, 2024.

According to the Ministry of Health and the council of governors (CoG), the reports published in one of the local dailies are false and misleading.

In a joint statement with the CoG, Health CS Deborah Barasa noted that following the conclusion of the Medical Equipment Service (MES) program in December 2023, a strategic plan was developed to sustain and enhance the benefits achieved during that program.

This transition was guided by decisions made during the 10th Extraordinary Summit held between the National Government and County Governments on December 18, 2023.

“To oversee this transition and ensure uninterrupted health services, a specialized technical committee was formed, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Health and County Governors.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Council of Governors decided to adopt a fixed Fee-For-Service (FFS) Model for the procurement of medical equipment services,” read part of the joint statement dated December 4, 2024.

Barasa explained that the model is designed to transfer the financial responsibilities of medical equipment to contracted vendors, relieving government facilities of this burden.

The FFS model permits vendors to supply, maintain, and upgrade advanced medical equipment at no cost to county health facilities, thereby allowing the counties to concentrate their resources on patient care.

“This model has been confirmed to differ from the leasing option mentioned in the erroneous publication.

“To implement the FFS Model, the Ministry followed the procedures outlined in the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act,” read part of the statement.

The CS further clarified that tender submissions were received and opened in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, with representatives from the Ministry, County Governments and bidders present.

She added that the evaluation process was conducted by representatives from the Ministry of Health and County Governments, adhering to stringent regulations in alignment with the Social Health Authority’s benefit tariffs.

Contracts were awarded to seven qualified bidders in October 2024.

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with County Governments, also established an administrative framework to guide the implementation of the FFS model.

Meanwhile, County Governments voluntarily signed Intergovernmental Participatory Agreements to support the program.

This arrangement allows suppliers to invest in and equip county health facilities at no cost, with payment made for services rendered.

The Social Health Authority compensates facilities according to the approved tariff rates.

“The Ministry of Health and the Council of Governors remain steadfast in their commitment to upholding the law and improving access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans through collaborative and accountable initiatives,” read part of statement.