BY Mary Muthoni, PS for Public Health and Professional Standards at the Ministry of Health.
Kenya is making bold strides toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) with the Primary Healthcare Fund, funding primary health care at the centre of this transformation.
Established under the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Primary Healthcare Fund is focused on one mission; to provide universal access to essential health services, ensuring that every Kenyan, regardless of their location or financial status, can receive the care they need.
By financing level 1, 2, and 3 facilities - ranging from community health services to dispensaries and health centres - the government is ensuring that affordable healthcare is free and available to all Kenyans, removing longstanding financial barriers for the most vulnerable populations.
The introduction of the primary Healthcare Fund marks a significant turning point in Kenya's approach to health.
It is not merely about treating illness, it is about preventing disease and promoting overall health within communities.
This comprehensive strategy prioritises health education and preventive care, recognising that investing in health at the community levels leads to better health outcomes and reduces the strain on higher level facilities.
Central to this initiative are Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who serve as vital links between healthcare systems and communities.
They conduct household visits, provide preventive care, and guide families on health practices that enhance their well-being.
For millions of Kenyans in rural areas, CHPs are trusted community members delivering immunizations, maternal and child care, and health education directly to families.
Their work is to ensure that essential services are accessible to every citizen, regardless of income or location.
Level 2 dispensaries and Level 3 health centers complement this system by providing more extensive healthcare services.
These facilities treat common ailments, provide early diagnosis and support preventive measures, ensuring that care is available close to home and alleviating the burden on larger referral hospitals, by prioritising the quality and accessibility of these levels.
The primary Healthcare Fund establishes a reliable healthcare infrastructure that allows every community to access the services they need without financial strain.
The government’s commitment to these lower-level facilities is a testament to the belief that primary healthcare is the foundation upon which the entire health system rests.
The SHA plays a critical role in overseeing the effective utilisation of the Primary Healthcare Fund, ensuring that these facilities remain functional, well equipped and responsive to the healthcare needs of their communities.
This not only enhances service delivery but also build trust in the healthcare system.
The establishment and operationalisation of primary health care networks in the subcounties, has successfully increased access to health services for the county population, significantly reducing the burden of out-of-pocket expenditures, enhanced health indicators, reduced the burden at referral facilities and enabled identification and referral of clients in the community by CHPs with previously unknown conditions.
This model has been credited with improving health outcomes across the country by improving health indicators, and reducing morbidity and mortality.
The PCNs experience underscores the potential impact of a well-structured primary healthcare system being funded throughby the Primary Healthcare Fund.
By ensuring that basic health services are available and affordable, Kenya can reduce the financial barriers that often prevent low-income households from seeking care.
The fund not only supports healthcare providers but also fosters a culture of health seeking behaviour within communities, enabling individuals to prioritize their health without fear of financial hardship.
As Kenya builds this foundation for UHC, every citizen has a role to play in supporting and sustaining the system.
The SHA encourages all Kenyans to register for social health insurance, which is integral to creating a sustainable healthcare model that services current and future generations.
By registering, Kenyans reinforce a health system that upholds the well-being of all.
This act of participation strengthens the SHA’s capacity to expand and improve services, providing a secure healthcare safety net for everyone. Now is the time to act.
Registering is not just about securing healthcare for yourself and your family; it’s about supporting a system that will benefit every Kenyan, creating a healthier, more resilient nation for all.
Take part in this movement today and join the mission to make healthcare a universal right across Kenya.
The commitment to primary healthcare through the primary healthcare fund represents a pivotal shift in Kenya’s health strategy.
By prioritising health at the community level, Kenya is laying the groundwork for a healthier population and a more sustainable healthcare system.
The goal is clear: to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of their socio-economic status, can access quality healthcare services without financial burden.
By focusing on accessibility, affordability, and community engagement, the Primary Healthcare Fund is a key component in achieving universal health coverage in Kenya.
The future of healthcare in Kenya is bright, and with collective action and commitment, we can turn this vision into reality.