Kenyan patients struggling with heart conditions are facing significant challenges in accessing specialised cardiac care due to high costs and a shortage of medical specialists. Janet Mweni, a 24-year-old woman, recently underwent a double valve replacement after her family and well-wishers raised money for the operation. Her experience highlights the difficulties many Kenyans face in accessing affordable cardiac care. Mweni had been struggling to walk and climb stairs due to her heart condition and had to stop seeking care at one point due to unaffordable bills.
Medical specialists, including Dr. Kemuntu Linda, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Association, have warned that the cost of cardiac care, long-term medication, and shortage of specialists continue to make treatment difficult. Dr. Kemuntu stated that while there have been improvements in coverage for some surgical conditions under the Social Health Authority, patients with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic heart conditions continue to face high costs, particularly for long-term medication.
The cost of managing chronic conditions remains one of the biggest gaps in cardiac care, according to Dr. Kemuntu. Patients suffering from chronic illnesses require long-term medication, which can be expensive. Mweni's case is a testament to this, as she was placed on medication, including blood thinners, which she will need to take for life after her surgery. Her family did not have the financial means to cover the costs, highlighting the need for affordable cardiac care.
Kenya has a significant shortage of cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, with only about 70 to 80 specialists covering both adult and paediatric care. This shortage means that patients are often forced to travel to major centres such as Nairobi, Eldoret, and Mombasa for specialised treatment, adding transport and accommodation costs to already expensive medical bills. Many counties do not have a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon, making access to specialised care uneven across the country.
Health experts are calling for greater investment in cardiac care, warning that access to treatment remains a significant challenge. Dr. Kemuntu urged county governments to invest in training doctors in cardiac care so that patients can access specialised treatment closer to home. She also called for the establishment of a national centre of excellence for cardiac diseases, which could improve treatment outcomes and access to specialised care.
Lillian Muga, the Kenya Cardiac Society chief executive officer, highlighted the gaps in financing and specialist care in the healthcare system. She stated that cardiac surgery remains beyond the reach of many families due to the high costs involved. Muga also emphasised the need for greater emphasis on prevention and early detection, particularly for adults at risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular screening and early diagnosis can help prevent more serious cardiovascular complications.
Experts are also urging Kenyans to undergo regular screening and adopt healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Kemuntu recommended at least 30 minutes of exercise three to four days a week, alongside annual health checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, and other risk factors. Muga cautioned that cardiac disease is not only an adult problem, as some children are born with congenital heart conditions, making early diagnosis and treatment critical.
Key points
- The cost of cardiac care and shortage of specialists continue to make treatment difficult for many Kenyans living with heart conditions.
- Kenya has a significant shortage of cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons, with only about 70 to 80 specialists covering both adult and paediatric care.
- Health experts are calling for greater investment in cardiac care, including training doctors in cardiac care and establishing a national centre of excellence for cardiac diseases.
