By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
Kenya’s Ministry of Health has made significant strides in improving healthcare accessibility and delivery throughout the country.
The establishment of Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) is a major step towards strengthening the healthcare infrastructure.
These networks play a crucial role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that comprehensive health services are available in every part of the nation.
Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, announced in a press release that the initiative has made significant progress.
“Currently, there are 160 Primary Care Networks (PCNs) that have been successfully established, and an additional 41 are currently underway. This achievement is noteworthy as it covers 87% of Kenya’s counties and has positively impacted healthcare outcomes,” PS Muthoni said.
Primary Care Networks have a crucial function in the integration of different healthcare delivery levels and the coordination of multidisciplinary health teams.
This strategy has led to a rise in outreach, improved disease screening, enhanced patient referrals, and enhanced coordination among healthcare providers.
These efforts have had a substantial impact on healthcare access and quality in regions such as Garissa, where Family Planning Integration Coverage has increased from 66% to 87%, and skilled deliveries have risen from 77% to 98%.
The Ministry has prioritized capacity building by training 248 Master Trainers to assist with the implementation of PCNs at the county level.
Groundbreaking approaches, like utilizing drones for medical supply distribution in Kisumu and conducting household obstetric ultrasound assessments in Kwale, have significantly improved healthcare services, particularly in remote areas.
The Ministry of Health has emphasized Kenya’s dedication to transparency and data-driven decision-making in healthcare management through the creation of a National PCN observatory and the implementation of an electronic community health information system (e-CHIS).
These tools enable real-time monitoring and tracking of PCN operations, leading to effective resource distribution and improved service quality.
PS Muthoni emphasized the transformative impact of Primary Health Care on health equity and economic productivity.
She urged continued support and participation in primary healthcare initiatives to build a resilient healthcare system that promotes the well-being of all Kenyan citizens.