A new permanent board to head the National Hospital Insurance Fund will be put in place at the end of this week and its brand name changed, Medical Services minister Anyang' Nyong'o has said.

The minister said the NHIF board will be appointed this week. Speaking when he toured two health centrse in Lari District in Kiambu, the minister also announced that the organisation's name will be changed to the National Health Insurance Fund.

He at the same time said the government will soon establish new cancer screening systems in all health centres in the country. Nyong'o was accompanied by Lari MP David Njuguna. The minister said the government is keen to offer improved health services to the mwanachi. He said all Kenyans, rich or poor, should benefit from the national health scheme adding that everyone has the right to medical services.

"We all pay taxes and as long as I am the minister, the organisation must change guard because the private sector is very expensive and not ever Kenyan can afford it. If I do not make sure that everyone is covered, I better leave the work and go back home," he said. The minister said he has taken to the Cabinet proposals for universal health coverage.