Patients at Mwingi General Hospital Ward. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Health services which were devolved following the implementation of the 2010 Constitution should not be reverted to the national government, a health sector official has said.
The chairman of the Nyeri County Health Services Committee Stephen Mwaniki said Kenyans must accept the fact that devolution of health services is a constitutional issue that cannot be tackled every time there is a crisis in the sector.
“We have made great strides after devolution of health care to the counties including giving Kenyans a sense of ownership of their health centres,” he said.
“Before devolution, patients did not feel like their opinions were considered. Now, when there is a problem with a health centre or facility there is an avenue to channel your anger and frustrations.”
Mwaniki, however, said the health system still has challenges that need to be addressed.
“The relationship between the health service provider and the employer needs to be re-evaluated so that there is mutual respect. Thus far, there is no clear scheme of work governing the sector and this is why there is discord. A national health committee would come in handy at this point because it addresses key human resource issues such as inter-county transfers that are affecting the morale of health workers.”
He said the poor management structure in place that has affected the working relationship between counties and health workers should also be addressed.