Every Kenyan knows the grim reality: a dreaded message pops up on your phone, a message that shatters lives and exposes the brutal truth – healthcare in Kenya is a luxury, not a right.
A friend, a family member, or someone you love needs medical care, but the cost is an insurmountable wall, leaving you scrambling to organise a WhatsApp fundraising campaign, a desperate plea for help in the face of exorbitant medical bills.
This heartbreaking scenario is not just an isolated incident; it's a national tragedy, a constant threat hanging over every Kenyan household.
My own story echoes this pain. In 2006, my father succumbed to cancer after a long, arduous battle. The endless hospital bills were a crushing burden, leaving us financially devastated for years after his passing. The emotional toll was compounded by the financial strain, a burden no family should have to bear when faced with illness.
In this modern era, affordable healthcare shouldn't be a privilege reserved for the fortunate few. Health insurance, while offering some relief, remains out of reach for most families, leaving them one illness away from financial ruin.
The time for action is now, and the government must prioritise free or significantly affordable healthcare for all Kenyans.
Look no further than the United States, where President Obama's Affordable Care Act, despite its challenges, dared to reform a healthcare system dominated by powerful interests. If the US could conquer such a Herculean task, why can't Kenya?
We have the will, the need, and the countless examples of nations around the world that have successfully implemented universal healthcare systems.
Let's draw inspiration from countries like Canada, the UK, and France, where citizens access quality healthcare without facing financial ruin. Let's study their models, adapt them to our unique context, and chart a path towards a future where healthcare is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for every Kenyan.
This journey won't be easy. It demands political will, financial commitment, and a collective effort from all stakeholders. But the cost of inaction is far greater. We cannot continue to witness families crumble under the weight of medical bills, forced to choose between life-saving care and financial stability.
We cannot allow WhatsApp fundraising to become the norm, a constant reminder of a broken healthcare system.
We need to increase public funding for healthcare by allocating a significantly larger portion of the national budget to healthcare, ensuring equitable distribution across the country.
Another priority is the need to expand access to primary care. The country must invest in strengthening primary healthcare facilities, making preventative care readily available and accessible, especially in rural areas.
Kenya must also consider innovative financing mechanisms like social health insurance or public-private partnerships to share the burden and ensure sustainability. By diversifying funding streams and leveraging existing resources more effectively, Kenya can expand access to affordable healthcare without compromising quality or fiscal stability.
There is also an important cog that has been missing in all this. The government must engage with local communities, understand their needs, and tailor healthcare solutions to address their specific challenges.
One of the downsides of all the attempts made on UHC has been corruption. Therefore, to succeed, we must implement robust anti-corruption measures to ensure the efficient use of allocated funds and prevent misuse of resources.
This is not just about providing healthcare; it's about building a healthier, more prosperous Kenya. The entire nation benefits when every Kenyan has access to quality healthcare, regardless of income or background. It leads to a more productive workforce, lower mortality rates, and a stronger economy.
The time for empty promises and delayed action is over. We need concrete steps, unwavering commitment, and a voice demanding change. Let's make healthcare a right, not a privilege, and ensure that no Kenyan ever has to rely on a WhatsApp fundraising campaign to access the care they deserve.
Let's prioritise affordable healthcare for all, and build a future where life is not measured by the size of your medical bill, but by the strength of your health and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
