The transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya has brought about improvements in healthcare financing, but the country's health system still faces numerous challenges. A medical scheme like SHA can only work within the health system it is part of, and Kenya's health system has problems that a medical scheme alone cannot solve. The shortage of medical supplies and specialists in public hospitals continues to affect the quality of healthcare.
Patients in public hospitals often face difficulties accessing essential medical supplies, including medicines and laboratory reagents. In May, patients in Tinderet were prescribed medicines and sent to private chemists because public facilities did not have them. Similarly, in August, there were reports of shortages affecting essential supplies, including antibiotics and dialysis supplies. An Auditor General's finding also showed that Kemsa supplied only 41 per cent of medicines and medical supplies ordered by public facilities in the year ending June 2025.
The shortage of specialists in public hospitals is another significant challenge. Public hospitals may technically have specialists, but they may not be available when needed. In many facilities, specialists are shared across hospitals or run clinics on particular days. Patients may be required to book a specialist clinic weeks in advance, which can be a challenge for those in need of urgent care. This often leads to patients seeking private healthcare services, which can be expensive.
The case of Mercy Kanini, who delivered five premature babies at Thika Level 5 Hospital, highlights the challenges faced by patients in accessing quality healthcare. The babies were stabilised at Thika and transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised neonatal care, but all five later died. There were allegations about the circumstances of the transfer, including concerns about oxygen support. This case underscores the need for a functional healthcare system that can provide quality care to patients.
The healthcare system in Kenya requires significant investment to address the challenges faced by patients. SHA cannot create a neonatal ICU or manufacture medicine and laboratory reagents. It also cannot create specialists or repair broken machines. The government needs to address the systemic challenges facing the healthcare system, including the shortage of medical supplies and specialists. This will ensure that patients can access quality healthcare services.
The issue of healthcare inequality is also a significant concern. Patients with money can often buy their way around a weak system by seeking private healthcare services. However, those without money are left to suffer the consequences of a dysfunctional healthcare system. In emergency care, this can be fatal. The government needs to address the systemic challenges facing the healthcare system to ensure that all patients can access quality healthcare services.
The effectiveness of SHA in providing healthcare services to Kenyans depends on a functional healthcare system. While SHA has improved healthcare financing, it is essential to address the systemic challenges facing the healthcare system. The government needs to invest in healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, laboratories, and equipment. Additionally, the government needs to address the shortage of medical supplies and specialists to ensure that patients can access quality healthcare services.
Key points
- The shortage of medical supplies and specialists in public hospitals continues to affect the quality of healthcare in Kenya.
- Patients with money can often buy their way around a weak system by seeking private healthcare services, while those without money are left to suffer the consequences.
- The government needs to address the systemic challenges facing the healthcare system to ensure that all patients can access quality healthcare services.
