Brief Summary
The video discusses key initiatives in Kenya's healthcare system aimed at achieving universal health coverage. It highlights the role of community health promoters, the Facility Improvement Financing Act, the Digital Health Act, and the Social Health Insurance Act, which includes three funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund. The importance of primary healthcare and equipping facilities through the National Equipment Services Program are also emphasized.
- Community health promoters provide basic health services at the household level and refer patients to formal facilities.
- The Facility Improvement Financing Act ensures that funds allocated for health are not reallocated to other sectors.
- The Digital Health Act promotes interoperability of patient data across different levels of healthcare facilities.
- The Social Health Insurance Act broadens access to healthcare services and includes three funds to cover primary, secondary, and emergency/chronic care.
Community Health Promoters
Community health promoters (CHPs) play a crucial role in Kenya's healthcare system by conducting household visits to provide basic health services. Their responsibilities include checking blood pressure and blood sugar levels, identifying pregnant women and teenage mothers, and encouraging them to seek prenatal care. CHPs also distribute essential commodities and drugs, assess common childhood ailments, and refer patients to formal health facilities. This referral system links CHPs (level one) to formal health facilities (level two), ensuring a continuum of care.
Facility Improvement Financing Act
The Facility Improvement Financing Act addresses the issue of healthcare funds being diverted to other sectors. Previously, money intended for healthcare was often reallocated to projects such as road construction or disaster management. The Act ensures that all funds allocated for health, whether from donations, the exchequer, or other sources, are strictly used for healthcare purposes. This measure aims to prevent the misuse of healthcare funds and ensure that resources are available for their intended purpose.
Digital Health Act of 2023
The Digital Health Act of 2023 focuses on improving the interoperability of patient data across different levels of healthcare facilities. This means that if a patient is referred from one facility to another (e.g., from level two to level three), their medical data will be accessible at the receiving facility. The Act also aims to centralize data on healthcare workers, ensuring that their qualifications and work locations are accurately recorded. This helps prevent fraud and ensures that healthcare professionals are working where they are employed, improving accountability and efficiency within the health system. The goal is to create a "digital health super highway" where all health-related data is easily accessible and integrated.
Social Health Insurance Act
The Social Health Insurance Act aims to broaden access to healthcare services for all Kenyans. Previously, only 20% of the population accessed healthcare through the National Health Insurance Fund. The Act establishes three distinct funds within the Social Health Insurance Agency: the Primary Healthcare Fund, the Social Health Insurance Fund, and the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund. The Primary Healthcare Fund is executed, with the government directly paying claims to primary healthcare facilities that are mapped into primary healthcare networks based on geographical area and population. The Social Health Insurance Fund pools contributions (2.75% of gross income) to help people access secondary-level specialized care. The Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund covers long-term ailments and emergencies, addressing the issue of patients being required to pay deposits before receiving emergency treatment. This fund is also executed, with the government covering any excesses from secondary treatment.
Primary Healthcare and National Equipment Services Program
Primary healthcare is central to achieving universal health coverage in Kenya. The government has introduced the National Equipment Services Program to equip healthcare facilities. County governments are requested to provide their needs so that facilities can be equipped, considering that insurance is now available for everyone. This includes improving infrastructure, providing necessary equipment, and ensuring adequate human resources. The aim is to strengthen the healthcare system at all levels, ensuring that facilities are well-prepared to provide quality care.
