Why hospitals must align services to UHC initiative

By Wilson K Aruasa The cost of healthcare financing remains the greatest impediment towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), one of the pillars of the President Big Four Agenda. UHC, which is being piloted in Kisumu, Isiolo, Nyeri and Machakos counties, is hinged on affordability, accessibility and quality. Ultimately, the programme seeks to ensure all citizens access free basic healthcare services in all public hospitals. To attain this goal, therefore, there is need for everyone to support the initiative. Hospitals—both public and private—have a role to play in making UHC a reality. The Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) has taken a cue from the government and is at the forefront in facilitating the realisation of UHC. Last month, for example, the hospital released John Chege, a patient, to the International Vision Centre Church in Eldoret to receive home care. Chege lost his family during the 2007/08 post-election violence and was admitted to MTRH in April, 2016 for lung-related complications and has been at the hospital since then. At the time of discharge, Chege had accrued a Sh800,000 bill, which the hospital waived. Chege’s case is not unique. There are many Kenyans without any form of medical insurance—even the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). A 2014 World Bank report showed that only 20 per cent of Kenyans have medical insurance. Indeed, MTRH waives at least Sh30 million bills per month for patients who cannot afford to pay. As part of our contribution towards UHC, the hospital in partnership with NHIF sensitises members of the public and patients in the hospital on the importance of medical cover. This is done through medical outreaches and at the time of patients’ admission to MTRH. The hospital sensitised at least 30,000 individuals in the 2018/19 fiscal year, when more than 5,000 persons were enrolled into the cover. To support UHC attainment, MTRH has enhanced Human Resources for Health (HRH), provision of health products, investments in ICT and collaboration with other stakeholders in conducting medical outreaches. The hospital has also invested in establishment of a College of Health Sciences to train on a range of specialised clinical disciplines, including critical care, nephrology and oncology among others. The hospital is also offering mentorship in HRH, management, pharmaceutical products as well as financial management of health institutions to several counties. It’s worth noting that MTRH is the only public hospital in the region offering cornea transplants as well as children hemodialysis. Kidney transplants have become routine and are now conducted weekly. Last year, the hospital joined other world-class medical facilities in performing Open Heart Surgeries. To date, the hospital has undertaken 44 such surgeries. As a hospital, while aligning our services towards attainment of UHC we believe that prevention is better than cure—kuzuia ni bora kuliko kuponya. —The writer is CEO, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

Why hospitals must align services to UHC initiative

Latest News

Perfecting filmwork, one story after another

Endorsement by Mt Kenya Foundation will not change Raila – Raila Jr says

PNU, Ubuntu to sign first pre-election deal with ODM during Raila’s Azimio la Umoja event

Mt Kenya Foundation finally picks Raila Odinga for presidency

Mt Kenya tycoons holed up in meeting with Raila Odinga

Serve with courage, integrity and discipline – President Kenyatta tasks new GSU officers

Six Mount Kenya governors confirm their attendance to Raila’s Azimio La Umoja Convention

More on News

Regional MPs root for mangroves conservation

Perfecting filmwork, one story after another

Endorsement by Mt Kenya Foundation will not change Raila – Raila Jr says

PNU, Ubuntu to sign first pre-election deal with ODM during Raila’s Azimio la Umoja event

Follow us:

Why hospitals must align services to UHC initiative

Latest News

More on News

Every morning, our editors cut through the noise and send a digest of the day's top news. Subscribe here to get the digest and a free copy of our e-paper