The Ministry of Health has launched the national assessment exercise for health facilities across the country at Afya House in Nairobi.
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha revealed that The National Health Facility Census practise is a project that involves both The National and County Governments’ partnerships, the private sector, and faith-based organisations.
She also reflected that the government is devoted to the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as part of its agenda.
Equally, The CS stated that the government is determined to push through the achievement of UHC, where it has drawn its key interest in Community Health Promoters at the community level who will help to strengthen the primary healthcare system.
“In this regard, the government, in collaboration with County Governments and other key stakeholders in the health sector, has prioritised the provision of primary health care, including a focus on community Health Promoters at the community level,” said Nakhumicha.
She added that in an effort to accelerate the attainment of UHC, the government will shift the focus of health sector investment to preventive and promotive health care in the future.
Recognising the essential responsibilities of the health facilities in the provision of healthcare services to the citizens, the CS stated that the healthcare delivery systems in health facilities rely on factors involving the availability of requisite health infrastructure, the availability of competent healthcare professionals, and the availability of safe and effective health products and technology.
While reiterating the importance of the exercise, she explained that “it is only until all health facilities are analysed that the above factors could be addressed. All these are not able to be addressed appropriately unless we know each facility across the country, their status, as well as their needs.”
Furthermore, Nakhumicha clarified that there is a need to estimate and categorise hospitals based on their service delivery to ensure the quality advancement of services offered.
She affirmed that the assessment of the level of service initiated will provide evidence for policy formulation, planning, and programming within the health ministry.
Remarking on efforts taken by the health sector, she maintained that there is still more to do, adding that “Healthy Citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.
Representing The Council of Governors, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki acknowledged that both governments have a role in ensuring that Kenyans have access to Universal Health Care. The Governor also noted that County Governments are ready to work with the ministry amid the commencement of the assessment in all counties for the next two weeks.
While wishing the assessors well, Endebess Member of Parliament Robert Pukose reminded the stakeholders that the two weeks’ computation will be a roadmap to explore potential gaps in the Health sector, so they should conduct the survey keenly.
