Turn our healthcare challenges into opportunities for systemic change

In a week marked by fervent discussions on healthcare, two pressing issues captured my attention like never before - medical negligence and the high costs of medications. These issues reveal deeper systemic failures that not only threaten patient safety but also impede access to essential treatments, particularly for chronic conditions such as diabetes, which I manage.

In 2023 alone, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 205,731 deaths were registered in Kenya, highlighting the profound impact of healthcare deficiencies on our population. This stark statistic serves as a dire warning of the potential consequences of unaddressed medical negligence and inaccessible healthcare services.

Recently, an alarming instance of blatant medical negligence came to light, involving a dear relative of a person I hold in high esteem, who was rushed into surgery without the required preoperative assessments, including having eaten just before the procedure. This glaring oversight led to severe complications and a tragic death last weekend, underscoring a disturbing trend of disregard by an irresponsible doctor for patient safety protocols. Such cases are symptomatic of a broader issue where the urgency of healthcare delivery often trumps the quality of care. While I stumbled into intimate details of this case, out of respect for the patient's family and their ongoing grief, it is essential to approach this discussion with the utmost sensitivity and a commitment to preventing future occurrences.

Parallel to this is the prohibitive cost of essential medications. For example, Rybelsus, one of the newest and most efficient medications for diabetes, costs about Sh90,000 per month in Kenya, nearly 30 times what it costs in most parts of the world. Patients are now left with the option of importing the medication from Thailand, Dubai and various parts of Europe costing them a mere Sh10,000. This staggering disparity not only places a significant financial burden on myself and the reported 3.3 million Kenyans living with diabetes but also raises critical questions about the factors driving such high prices and the apparent conflicts of interest within our pharmaceutical supply chain.

Now that I am not a practitioner in this field, I choose to address these challenges with a common leader’s logical, multifaceted approach. First, we must reinforce the true purpose of insurance, which fundamentally serves to collect funds and then effectively manage the risks. Yet, the current state and focus appears heavily skewed towards fund collection, with insufficient attention to risk management - a gap that could undermine the intentions of well-meaning schemes like SHA/SHIF.

Second, we need a transparent and fair pricing mechanism for medications. By revisiting and possibly restructuring the entire pharmaceutical supply chain - from import taxes to retail markups - we can align our medication prices with global standards, ensuring that all Kenyans have access to affordable healthcare and, above all, save lives.

Moreover, empowering patients through education and technology can play a pivotal role. By developing digital platforms that provide patients with easy access to their medical history, treatment options, and clear information on medication pricing, we ensure that they are well-informed and active participants in their healthcare decisions.

The government, alongside the private sector, must spearhead these reforms. It is imperative that policymakers, including those at the highest levels of government, prioritize the health of the nation by overhauling the regulatory framework and ensuring healthcare affordability.

I also suggest that the public must take an active role in this transformative journey. By reporting instances of negligence, demanding fair pricing, and holding healthcare providers accountable, we can collectively ensure a healthcare system that is not only sustainable but also just and equitable.

As we move forward, let's harness these challenges as opportunities for systemic change. By tackling medical negligence and the high cost of medications head-on, we can safeguard the health of all Kenyans and uphold the dignity of every patient. Together, we can build a healthcare system that reflects our values of fairness, transparency, and respect for human life. Think green, act green.