Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has addressed the controversy surrounding the service fee charged on claims processed through the national digital health system, dismissing media reports claiming that public funds are being diverted to a private entity. Duale explained that the 2 percent charge is legally anchored under Regulation 11(2) of the Digital Health (Data Exchange Component) Regulations, 2025. The Health CS clarified that users pay the fee directly to the Digital Health Agency (DHA), a state body established under the Digital Health Act, 2023. “This is a charge by a public body, for a public system, authorized by statute,” the statement further read. I have directed the Social Health Authority and the Digital Health Agency to continue engaging you directly through the stakeholder mechanism and to resolve claims and complaints without delay.