CS Nakhumicha launches census of 15,000 healthcare facilities
By George.Kebaso, August 15, 2023The Ministry of Health has kicked off a nationwide health facility census to determine the gaps in the sector in renewed efforts to implement the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
An estimated 15,000 health facilities, both private and public, are targeted in the two-week exercise.
The Ministry is seeking to find out the status of infrastructure in the facilities, equipment and the skilled human resources.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said the assessment will inform the ministry on what services are offered by the various hospitals.
According to the CS, the census will address gaps in delivery of healthcare services.
“The Ministry recognizes the crucial role that health facilities play in provision of healthcare services to the public,” she said at Afya House grounds yesterday when she officially launched the exercise.
The efficiency of healthcare delivery systems, Nakhumicha noted, is dependent on several factors, including availability of requisite health infrastructure, competent healthcare professionals with the right skills mix and the availability of safe and effective health products and technologies.
“All these cannot be addressed appropriately unless we know each facility and their status as well as their needs,” she said.
Nakhumicha (pictured centre) said the prevailing conditions of the health facilities captured in the census will also facilitate proper functioning of the recently established Primary Care Networks (PCNs).
“It is imperative to be aware of the health services offered in all available health facilities countrywide,” she said.
The exercise will run from August 14 to 25 after which a report will be compiled.
This will help in the referral system as the country focuses on preventive and promotive health with Community Health Promoters (CHP) being at the centre of service provision in the delivery of UHC.
“We don’t want a situation where people seeking healthcare attention find facilities where they have been referred to by the CHPs, not ready to offer the services they are looking for,” Nakhumicha said.
She said the government is committed to the implementation of UHC as championed in the Bottom up Economic Transformation Agenda.