Relief for Kenyans as SHA Unveils Free Ambulance Services Nationwide
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced plans to roll out free ambulances across the country, a move that will change the face of emergency healthcare.
During a public forum, SHA’s CEO Mercy Mwangangi revealed that President William Ruto will launch the programme before the end of September. As part of the rollout, Kenyans will have a dedicated hotline to call and request for an ambulance anywhere they are.
Currently an ambulance ride costs Ksh4,500, a cost that SHA will fully absorb. Beyond transport, the authority will also cover all hospital bills for the first 24 hours after admission.
“By October, you will just call and an ambulance will be dispatched. The Ksh4,500 will be fully taken care of by SHA and we will also take care of emergency expenses like asthma treatment so that patients can stabilise quickly,” Mwangangi explained.
She said this is part of the government’s push to deliver **Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and smooth rollout of the new national insurance programme.
The announcement came just hours after the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) issued a directive requiring all ambulance and emergency care providers to register with the council.
In a public notice issued on September 9, KMPDC CEO David Kariuki said paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), ambulance operators and all pre-hospital care providers must now be listed with the council. The move, Kariuki said will regulate standards in emergency response and strengthen the SHA’s Emergency, Critical Care and Chronic Illness Fund.
To comply, providers can submit their registration physically at KMPDC offices or electronically through email. Application forms and full requirements are already available for download on the council’s website.
“This registration will ensure ambulance services operate under clear standards while supporting the effective rollout of emergency healthcare under SHA,” the council’s statement read.
With SHA’s free ambulance programme and KMPDC’s registration push, Kenya is set for a big change in emergency medical care.
Also Read: World Bank Issues Shocking Warning Concerning Hidden Crisis in Kenya’s Banking Sector
Relief for Kenyans as SHA Unveils Free Ambulance Services Nationwide