The future of health system in Kenya

By Robert Mutasi

There are many problems. The area is such that for most rural patients, the nearest clinic or hospital is only available after an hour, sometimes a day, of travel.

Immediately after that, they often find equipment without resources, without basic drugs, diagnostic equipment, or even suitable beds.

This is aggravated by the lack of experienced healthcare professionals, who have left rural clinics with stretched staff or, even worse, without qualified personnel.

This gap requires bold measures that must be developed by governments and stakeholders. The first steps should come from infrastructure: the construction and improvement of medical facilities in rural areas is very important, but efforts must be completed and these facilities must be adequately equipped.

The modern healthcare system is not only four walls and a roof; it also requires laboratories that work with reliable durability. Another problem of such importance is human capital.

Medical workers should receive incentives to work in rural areas, which is an optimistic decision. Stimuli include financial benefits, residential benefits, and professional development opportunities that will attract doctors, nurses, and other professionals to non-consecutive areas.

In addition, large investments in sustainable training of paramedics and education will ensure the staff of remote clinics. Other innovative solutions include mobile healthcare and telemedicine apps.

A mobile clinic designed to reach the center of rural communities to provide services, from vaccination to pregnancy care, can provide essential services.

Telemedicine stations can use Kenya's growing digital infrastructure to connect rural patients with urban center professionals, thereby reducing cognitive delays with tralala.

The goal is clear: a healthcare system that ensures that every Kenyan has a good chance of getting quality healthcare wherever he is.

Creating this Compass will not only save lives, but also help strengthen the country's workforce and economic resistance. It's time for Kenya to invest in the future where no one is.