In the wake of complaints of poor delivery of health services in Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja, on Thursday, January 5, received a raft of recommendations touted to improve the situation.
The Health Taskforce led by African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Githinji Gitahi noted that the recommendations, once implemented, would go a long way in improving the sector for once.
Integration of public and private health service delivery
Among the recommendations presented include advice for the government to integrate governance and regulation of public and private health service delivery.
The task force noted that the recommendation would require a legal framework upon which the governance process would be anchored.
"It is one health system - Integrate public and private health service delivery through a common governance and data system with the requisite legal framework," the recommendation read.
Optimize the supply of Health products and technologies
Also among the recommendations was the need to upscale the supply of medical products and technologies in health facilities.
To actualize this, the governor was advised to establish a cordial working relationship with the government's supplier agency, the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) and other suppliers.
If implemented, the move would help address the problem of shortage of medicine in hospitals.
Sakaja was also asked to review and establish a County formulary in line with Kenya Essential Medicines List and consider alternative sourcing channels.
Increase Budget Allocation to Ksh12 B
In addition, the task force recommended increasing the budgetary allocation to health from the current Ksh8 billion to a budget of at least Ksh12 billion annually.
According to the report, Nairobi's investment per person was Ksh2,000 in a year compared to other counties with an investment of at least Ksh2,800 per person yearly.
Further, the report highlighted the need to increase the number of people registered under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Integrated Health information system
The task force also recommended a Nairobi County Integrated Health information system to ensure data availability and help decision-making by relevant authorities. The Kenya Health Information System will support the data system.
Enhance Workforce Efficiency
Additionally, the task force came up with a recommendation for the county to conduct a comprehensive context-specific health workforce assessment and devise plans to develop the efficiencies of the workforce.
"Ultimately health workforce is motivated by its ability to achieve positive patient outcomes," the report read in part.
Work on Public Hygiene
The task force further guided the county to work on a plan to reduce the disease burden, and reorganise public environmental health.
The task force also recommended a relook into the principles of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, including a review of the legal framework for enforcement.
Governor Sakaja formed the task force in October against a backdrop of scandals in Nairobi county health facilities.
Mama Lucy Kibaki was put in the spotlight after a woman died under unclear circumstances while delivering twins.
