Duale said the new system is designed to ensure that Kenyans facing medical emergencies can quickly access help from anywhere in the country.
Under the plan, individuals in distress will be able to call a central dispatch centre, which will then coordinate the nearest available ambulance to respond.
“By June, we will establish a dispatch centre where any Kenyan can call from anywhere, at any time, in an emergency.
The nearest ambulance will be dispatched to the location, be it a home, office, or street, to pick up the patient and take them to the nearest hospital.
The hospital will admit them, and perform necessary procedures, including surgery if needed.
All costs for the first 24 hours will be covered by the SHA. This is the health transformation introduced by this administration,” Duale said.
He explained that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s healthcare system and ensuring that no Kenyan is denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints.
The plan seeks to eliminate delays in emergency response by centralising coordination and improving efficiency in ambulance deployment.
Under the proposed arrangement, hospitals will be required to admit patients brought in under emergency conditions and provide immediate care without demanding upfront payment.
The Social Health Authority will cover all costs incurred within the first 24 hours, allowing patients to receive stabilisation and critical interventions without financial pressure.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the introduction of a central dispatch system will also enhance coordination among healthcare providers and emergency responders.
By linking ambulances to a single command centre, authorities aim to reduce response times and ensure patients are taken to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
The move is expected to benefit a wide range of emergency cases, including road accidents, sudden illnesses, and other life-threatening situations that require urgent attention.
Officials say the system will operate круглly, ensuring that help is available at any time of day or night.
Duale further stated that the onboarding of security agencies into the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund is part of efforts to expand healthcare coverage and improve access to quality services for public servants.