The health sector stakeholders have urged President William Ruto to capitalize on the current wave of governance changes across the country to address the widespread corruption within the Ministry of Health decisively.
“Mr. President, deal decisively with the rampant corruption at the Ministry of Health in order to restore health services in the country,” they appealed.
Meaningful reforms Renal patients are advocating for the eradication of corruption at the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) as the country readies for its transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA), while the rural and urban private health providers are calling for Ruto to reconsider this move.
“The current wave of gov[1]ernance change presents a golden opportunity to make meaningful reforms,” Kenya Renal Association (KRA) Presi[1]dent, Dr Jonathan Wala said in a letter to the President.
He argues that the country can achieve solutions that support renal patients’ advocacy campaign for improved services by collectively identifying and addressing a number of issues, with corruption being central.
Dr. Wala says that the widespread corruption at the NHIF/SHA has compelled dialysis units to pay a percentage of their reimbursements. He argues that to secure rightful funds, this malpractice must cease to ensure fair and timely payments for services rendered.
“Mr. President, your leadership and commitment to reform are crucial in this endeavour. I urge you to take decisive action to rid the health sector of corruption and to implement the necessary changes that will improve the lives of countless renal patients across Kenya,” he wrote yesterday.
In view of the recent Cabi[1]net dissolution, occasioned by nationwide demonstrations, Dr Wala thinks that this is an opportunity for genuine trans[1]formative reforms.
“We feel compelled to bring to your attention the dire situation facing renal services in Kenya. The pervasive corrup[1]tion and systemic inefficiencies within the Ministry of Health and by extension, the NHIF have severely hampered the quality of care and access to essential services for renal patients,” he said, proposing a number of measures that the president should execute urgently to address the situation facing renal patients.
He advocates for comprehensive care where renal patients regularly undergo clinical reviews, blood tests, vaccinations, and management of hemodialysis-related complications to maintain high-quality care.
According to Dr. Wala, there is an urgent need for improved access to medications, ensuring the availability and affordability of essential drugs such as intravenous iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. This is crucial for managing anemia in dialysis patients.
On Saturday, the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) highlighted several challenges in transitioning to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). They suggested to the President to reconsider this process by extending the transition period.
RUPHA Chairman Dr. Brian Lishenga (pictured) emphasized the need to address the root causes of corruption and mismanagement within the system during this transition. He stated at a press conference that payments for services rendered often involve bribery, which is unethical and detrimental to both healthcare providers and patients.
