| RUTO IN A YEAR | Healing the Health Sector
RUTO IN A YEAR: Healing the Health Sector
The health sector in Kenya has long been plagued with challenges, from a shortage of healthcare workers to high costs and limited access to care. William Ruto, the President of Kenya, came into office with a bold manifesto aiming to address these issues and revolutionize the country’s healthcare system. However, one year into his presidency, has Ruto been able to fulfill his promises and heal the health sector?
A Promise Made, but Not Kept
During his election campaign, President Ruto pledged to employ 20,000 healthcare workers within his first 100 days in office. However, according to Peterson Washira, the chairman of the Kenyan Union of Clinical Officers, this promise remains unfulfilled. The shortage of healthcare workers has been a major factor contributing to the strikes staged by healthcare workers to protest delayed salaries and poor working conditions.
Ailing Management and Unfulfilled Promises
The ineffectiveness and mismanagement of human resources within the healthcare sector have been another major cause of discontent among healthcare workers. Many strikes have been a result of discriminatory and exploitative employment terms, delayed promotions, and inadequate payment. The establishment of a Health Service Commission, promised by Ruto during his campaign, has yet to be realized. The responsibility falls on his shoulders to ease the pressure on hospitals and healthcare workers.
A Shift towards Preventive Care
In an effort to reduce the burden on hospitals, President Ruto emphasized the importance of preventive care over curative care. By investing heavily in preventive care, illnesses such as cancer, heart complications, kidney failure, and hypertension can be detected and addressed early, reducing the need for hospital visits and admissions. Health promoters have been tasked with educating the public about diseases, symptoms, and where to seek help, improving health-seeking behavior.
The Push for Universal Health Care
Ruto’s government also invested in universal health care to cut the cost of health services for Kenyan families. Families often face high out-of-pocket expenditures for hospital bills, leading them to resort to sources like harambees (community fundraising), WhatsApp and PESA groups, and even selling assets to cover healthcare costs. The government sought to further reduce these costs and enhance access to medical services.
Ruto’s administration aimed to implement key health system reforms to enhance medical services. However, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority has faced scandals and allegations of cartel involvement, putting a dent in the reforms. Efforts to clean up and restore public trust have commenced, with promises to address corruption and ensure transparency in procurement processes.
Crucial Bills for Universal Health Coverage
In order to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage, several crucial bills have been approved by the cabinet. These bills include the Social Health Insurance Bill, Primary Health Care Bill, Digital Health Bill, and Facility Health Improvement Financing Bill. These bills aim to guide the implementation of universal health coverage, but concerns have been raised by the Council of Governors, who feel sidelined in the preparation of these bills.
Financial Contributions and Mixed Reactions
To support the funding of universal health coverage, a new National Social Health Fund is set to be established. Formal employees would contribute 2.75% of their monthly earnings, with low-income earners paying reduced amounts. While the government argues that these contributions will help equalize access to care, some Kenyans view it as a punitive measure.
Conclusion
As President Ruto enters his second year in office, Kenyans remain optimistic about the future of the healthcare sector. However, there is still much work to be done to fulfill promises, address management issues, and implement the necessary reforms. The path to healing the health sector is a challenging one, but with commitment and decisive action, Ruto’s administration can bring about meaningful change and improve healthcare for all Kenyans.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Has President Ruto fulfilled his promise to employ 20,000 healthcare workers?
No, the promise remains unfulfilled. The shortage of healthcare workers continues to be a major issue in the health sector.
2. What measures has President Ruto taken to reduce healthcare costs?
President Ruto’s government has invested in universal health care, aiming to cut the cost of health services for Kenyan families. This includes the establishment of a National Social Health Fund and financial contributions based on income levels.
3. How has the mismanagement of human resources affected the health sector?
Mismanagement of human resources has led to strikes by healthcare workers, delayed promotions, and discriminatory employment terms. These issues have strained the health sector and affected the quality of care provided.
