CS Nakhumicha: Primary healthcare will be the backbone of universal healthcare

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has revealed that primary healthcare will be the backbone of Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC).

In a press statement, the Health CS noted that quality healthcare will be achieved through the transformative UHC.

According to Nakhumicha, UHC is guided by five pillars: Primary healthcare (PHC), human resources for health,  health financing,  health commodity security, and integrated health information systems.

“These are the cornerstone of the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (Beta), upon which we will construct a healthcare system that leaves no one behind,” Nakhumicha noted.

She added that primary healthcare (PHC) was at the centre of accessible and comprehensive high-quality healthcare.

“The newly launched primary care networks (PCNS) in all 47 counties align seamlessly with the Kenya Primary Health Care Strategic Framework 2019-2024.”

“It is a shift from merely treating illnesses to actively promoting wellness in communities, bringing healthcare closer to homes by creating a web of healthcare support extending from basic community facilities to advanced medical centres,” she noted.

The Health CS also explained that primary care networks (PCNs) are more than just physical structures; they symbolize a commitment to holistic healthcare.

At the same time, she noted that PCNs form a dynamic network connecting community dispensaries, health centres and hospitals.

“With the recent launch of community health promotion kits by President William Ruto, a workforce of 100,000 community health promoters (CHPs) will empower the over 50 million Kenyans in around 10 million households.”

“Each community health promoter is equipped with the knowledge and tools to serve some 100 households, crucial to realizing our PHC goals,” she noted.

On affordability, the Health CS revealed that the government is designing a more cost-effective countrywide insurance model to shield the citizens from financial burdens.

She emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza government was committed to ensuring that essential medical services are within reach for citizens.

Additionally, she noted that access to high-quality, affordable medical supplies is crucial to the success of UHC.

As a result, the government has initiated reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (Kemsa) to enhance hospital access to medicines.

 “We champion local manufacturing of health products and technologies, promoting self-reliance and cost-effectiveness in our healthcare sector.”

“Digital solutions such as telemedicine and electronic health records have simplified healthcare delivery and improved the patient experience,” she explained.

She also revealed that the government was investing heavily in training healthcare practitioners and deploying sufficient workforce in the healthcare sector.

Article first published on https://capemedia.africa/2023/10/18/cs-nakhumicha-primary-healthcare-will-be-backbone-of-universal-healthcare/