This archive report was first published on 15 October 2021.
Published on October 15, 2021, a pressing issue in Kenya has been the state of public health facilities. Citizens have long argued that lawmakers and policy formulators should use these facilities, just like ordinary Kenyans, to understand the challenges they face.
According to citizens, if politicians were to use public health facilities, they would be more inclined to ensure that all health facilities under the county and national governments are fully functional and well-staffed. This, they believe, would lead to better enforcement of policies, rules, and regulations.
However, this issue has been discussed for years without any positive action. The COVID-19 pandemic brought attention to the need for well-serviced health facilities, as politicians and wealthy individuals alike were forced to seek care in public facilities due to the shortage of beds in private facilities.
Commenting on this, Jayesh Saini noted that it is essential for both the government and private owners of health facilities to be comfortable receiving care in their own facilities. He emphasized that using one's own facility demonstrates pride and confidence in the services provided.
As Kenya approaches the full rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), citizens hope that public facilities will be upgraded to provide quality services to all. By using public facilities, politicians and their families can set a positive example for the general populace, reducing the burden on the highly taxed society and increasing access to healthcare services.
