Migori County Embraces Digital Health after receiving 750 devices from Ministry of Health to Boost Universal Healthcare

Migori County has launched a major digital health initiative and a mass registration campaign for the Social Health Authority (SHA), marking a significant step towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Led by the Ministry of Health and the Migori County Government, the program aims to make healthcare more accessible, efficient, and affordable for all residents.

A total 177 health facilities in Migori County are fully digitized, a move that will transform healthcare delivery.

The new digital system will provide real-time patient data, speed up insurance claims, and improve accountability in health services.

Dr. Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary for Medical Services, who presided over the launch, said that Digitizing health facilities is a key step to improve service delivery and ensure hospitals are paid on time for SHA services.

Dr. Oluga further praised Migori’s leadership, saying that Migori is choosing health and dignity.

Migori County has 321 health facilities, including 165 public, 132 private, 18 faith-based, and 5 run by NGOs.

Of these, 263 are already contracted by SHA to provide online services.

To drive this digital transformation, the Ministry of Health donated 750 devices to Migori County, including 112 computers and 638 tablets.

These devices, preloaded with the TaifaCare app, will help health workers manage patient records, process claims, and register residents for SHA.

Eng. Anthony Lenaiyara, Acting CEO of the Digital Health Agency, added “With these devices, we are not waiting for the future of healthcare—we are living it now.”

Migori County so far has 442,641 people—39.6% of the county’s 1,116,436 population—already registered.

Of these, 160,062 have completed means testing to assess their financial status.

The county has recorded over 289,000 hospital visits, with KES 1.9 billion in claims approved for SHA beneficiaries.

SHA CEO Dr. Mercy Mwangangi praised this efforts, saying, “Migori shows what trust and transformation look like. Hundreds of thousands are now getting care.”

To ensure healthcare is affordable, SHA offers the Lipa SHA Pole Pole model, allowing residents to contribute small amounts daily, weekly, or monthly via *147# or *254#.

The model has no interest or extra costs.

“Lipa SHA Pole Pole is not a loan. It’s your contribution at your own pace, and it guarantees access to care,” said Dr. Mwangangi.

This approach is designed to help informal sector workers, who often face financial challenges in accessing healthcare.

Migori Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko while expressing his gratitude for the donation said that the tools will empower health facilities in the county to manage data more efficiently and support the enrollment of beneficiaries under the new health insurance scheme.

Governor Ayacko described the digitization and SHA rollout as a game-changer for Migori.

“The introduction of digital systems is not just a technological upgrade; it is a transformative step towards enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery in our county,” he said.

Additionally highlighted that accurate, real-time patient data will improve claims processing and help track healthcare performance effectively.

The governor also thanked the Ministry of Health for its partnership, where he said he was honored to host Dr. Ouma Oluga launched this initiative.

Migori’s digital health rollout is part of a national effort across 24 counties to implement the Comprehensive Integrated Health Information System.

This system connects patient records, tracks medicines to prevent counterfeiting, and ensures better service delivery.

Governor Ayacko urged residents to join the SHA registration drive, stating, “Access to facilities to manage data more efficiently and support the enrollment of beneficiaries under the new health insurance scheme.”

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