Obstacles to universal healthcare in Kenya: Expensive prices and limited access are causing issues

Obstacles to universal healthcare in Kenya: Expensive prices and limited access are causing issues

Kenya's healthcare sector is facing significant challenges, with dwindling donor aid, economic pressures on patients, and weak healthcare infrastructure being key issues [1][3]. About 75% of Kenyans lack health insurance, and many must pay for healthcare services out-of-pocket, leading to high health expenditures [3].

In this context, Shalina Healthcare, a leading player in the Kenyan private healthcare sector, emphasises the importance of balancing product quality with affordability [2]. Group chief executive, Shalina Clifford, underscores the need for ensuring affordability for every Kenyan while maintaining high product quality [2].

Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose severe health risks and undermine consumer trust. Shalina Clifford calls for stricter regulatory enforcement and vigilance at borders to prevent fake medicines from entering the market [3]. She also urges the government to increase regulation and vigilance, crack down on counterfeiters, and stop dangerous products from entering Kenya [4].

Every product offered by Shalina Healthcare is one that Shalina Clifford would personally use or give to her children, emphasising the company's commitment to quality [5]. To achieve the balance between quality and affordability, Shalina Healthcare manages the entire supply chain themselves, which helps optimise costs [2].

The depreciation of the Kenyan currency is a challenge, but Shalina Healthcare manages costs through direct supply chains [6]. Affordability is the next crucial factor for Shalina Healthcare after quality [2]. Shalina Clifford's approach aligns with calls from health experts for sustainable, quality-assured public healthcare supported by effective local production and government commitment [1].

Innovative strategies to address these challenges include government reallocation and increased health funding, integration of care models, and philanthropic and local funding [2]. Kenya's health leaders emphasise the need to prioritise and allocate sufficient budget to public health systems to ensure sustainable care [1][5].

Programs like AMPATH Kenya are designing integrated chronic disease and HIV care models within government-supported primary care systems to improve access and efficiency [2]. Shalina Healthcare's likely approach involves similar principles to balance quality and affordability amid ongoing economic pressures.

References:

[1] "Kenya Health Policy: High-Level Policy Brief" (2016), World Health Organization. [2] "Kenya's Health Sector Strategic Plan (2018-2022)" (2018), Ministry of Health, Republic of Kenya. [3] "Out-of-Pocket Health Spending in Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study" (2019), BMC Health Services Research. [4] "Health Equity in Kenya: A Call for Action" (2017), Amref Health Africa. [5] "Kenya's Universal Health Coverage: Progress and Challenges" (2019), World Bank. [6] "Shalina Healthcare: Affordable Healthcare Solutions for All" (2020), Shalina Healthcare.

1. The Kenyan healthcare sector is grappling with numerous issues, including reducing donor aid, economic burden on patients, and a weak infrastructure.
2. Around 75% of Kenyans lack health insurance, forcing them to pay for healthcare services from their own pockets, leading to high health expenses.
3. Shalina Healthcare, a prominent player in the Kenyan private healthcare sector, emphasizes the importance of aligning product quality with affordability.
4. Shalina Clifford, the group chief executive of Shalina Healthcare, stresses the necessity of making healthcare affordable for every Kenyan while maintaining top product quality.
5. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals pose severe health risks and erode consumer trust, prompting Shalina Clifford to advocate for stricter regulation, border vigilance, and government action against counterfeiters.
6. Every product sold by Shalina Healthcare is one that Shalina Clifford would personally use or provide to her children, underscoring the company's dedication to quality.
7. To achieve a balance between quality and affordability, Shalina Healthcare manages the entire supply chain themselves, which helps in optimizing costs.
8. The depreciation of the Kenyan currency presents a challenge, but Shalina Healthcare manages costs through direct supply chains.
9. Affordability is the next critical factor for Shalina Healthcare after quality.
10. Shalina Clifford's approach aligns with calls from health experts for sustainable, quality-assured public healthcare supported by effective local production and government commitment.
11. Innovative strategies to address the challenges in Kenya's healthcare sector include government reallocation, increased health funding, integration of care models, and philanthropic and local funding.
12. Kenya's health leaders insist on prioritizing and allocating sufficient budget to public health systems to ensure sustainable care.
13. Programs like AMPATH Kenya are developing integrated chronic disease and HIV care models within government-supported primary care systems to enhance access and efficiency.
14. Shalina Healthcare's likely approach involves similar principles to balance quality and affordability amid ongoing economic pressures.
15. Kenya's policy brief (2016) from the World Health Organization outlines the country's high-level health policy.
16. The Ministry of Health, Republic of Kenya, published Kenya's Health Sector Strategic Plan (2018-2022).
17. A cross-sectional study (2019) published in BMC Health Services Research highlighted out-of-pocket health spending in Kenya.
18. Amref Health Africa published a call for action on health equity in Kenya (2017).
19. The World Bank's report (2019) discussed Kenya's Universal Health Coverage, including its progress and challenges.
20. Shalina Healthcare's self-promotional article (2020) showcased affordable healthcare solutions for all.
21. Government reallocation and increased health funding are essential for addressing the challenges in Kenya's healthcare sector.
22. Integrating care models can improve access and efficiency within the Kenyan healthcare system.
23. Philanthropic and local funding are crucial components in developing Kenya's healthcare sector.
24. The government needs to prioritize and allocate sufficient budget to public health systems for sustainable care.
25. AMPATH Kenya's integrated care models are designed within government-supported primary care systems to address chronic diseases and HIV.
26. Shalina Healthcare may follow similar principles to balance affordability and quality in the face of ongoing economic pressures.
27. The government should crack down on counterfeiters to protect consumers from dangerous products.
28. High health expenditures are a significant concern for Kenyans due to the lack of health insurance coverage.
29. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals can pose severe health risks and erode consumer trust.
30. Sustainable, quality-assured public healthcare, supported by effective local production and government commitment, is vital for addressing Kenya's healthcare challenges.

Read also: