Ministry of Health
After successful awarding and signing of the contracts , the execution of the project was delayed by initial reluctance by a number of counties to sign the Intergovernmental MoU . This delayed implementation as the signing of the MoU in each county was a prerequisite to commencement of work in the respective county hospitals .
Some areas have been affected by infrastructural and human resource challenges . Following the selection of beneficiary hospitals by counties , there were subsequent technical assessments on infrastructure needs by teams from the Ministry of Health , and also by the contractors . Some few areas were found with inappropriate infrastructure for implementation of the project . This was also been exacerbated by changes in the hospitals initially selected , which had not been subjected to the original assessment process .
Regarding human resource challenges , countrywide shortages exist for specialized nephrology and critical care staff who are crucial in the management of the renal units and ICUs being established country-wide . However , to address these challenges in the short run , the MES programme is conducting short courses for 3 months in nephrology and 3 weeks for critical care . The courses are currently underway , but in some areas the equipment installaion is preceding the conclusion of the training programme , thus delaying service delivery .
Q5 . Finally , what message do you have for the general public accessing medical services in public hospitals ?
The Ministry of Health wishes to encourage Kenyans to utilize the enhanced affordable health services that are now brought closer to them as compared to the past when only the two national referral hospitals had such facilities . With the improved public services , we wish to encourage all able Kenyans to register with the NHIF to get medical cover that will cater for most of the services readily offered in our hospitals .
Lastly , prudent public health begins with prevention . We have no option ; we must put more effort into prevention of diseases and promotion of health and healthy lifestyles . This will lead to a sustainable health system as facilities will be used for early screening of non communicable diseases such as cancer in order to ensure early treatment .
Health CS Dr . Cleopa Mailu shares a tablet with a pupil at Mwandisha Primary School in Taita Taveta on October 25th , 2016 .
42 November-December 2016