Researchers and medical students will pay up to KSh 30,000 to access health data if the proposed Digital Health (Health Information Management) Regulations 2024 sails through. Health CS Deborah Barasa supports the Digital Health Regulations 2024. How much will Kenyans pay to access health data?
If the proposed regulations are approved, Kenyans must seek consent from the Digital Health Agency to access and use patient data.Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Barasa revealed that independent medical researchers will pay KSh 30,00, while students pursuing doctorate and master’s degree programmes will fork out KSh 20,000 and KSh 5,000, respectively.
At the same time, undergraduate students will part with KSh 500, while research institutions will pay 1% of their annual research budget. “A health data controller or a third party shall access health data in the system for public health purposes by requesting in writing to the agency and paying the applicable fees,” Barasa stated, as reported by Daily Nation. The regulations propose that all digital health solution providers submit documents for review by the Digital Health Agency.
Gov’t dismisses Kenyans demanding extra SHIF benefits In other news, the government told Kenyans demanding extra SHIF benefits to pay for private cover. Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai emphasised that every Kenyan would receive equal SHIF benefits regardless of contribution.
Kimtai said Kenyans who contribute more and feel that the benefits are low should pay for private insurance. The government official denied claims that the new scheme was rushed, arguing that the system had been developed for some time.
by Japhet Ruto
