Medicine Prices Determinant to Access of Quality Health Service
Medicine prices are a major determinant of access of healthcare, however due to low availability of medicine in public health facilities in Kenya most low income patients are forced to pay out of pocket after seeking medical attention in private facilities which have very high rates.
According to the Kenya demographic and health survey 2022 out of pocket (cash) payment are the most common means of payment for both inpatient and outpatient people, with only one in four Kenyans which accounts for 26% of people having some form of health insurance.
Rashid Khalani, the CEO of Aga Khan University Hospital has said that Kenya imports most of its medicine and may not have much control of their prices especially now when the shilling has weakened against the dollar.
“There is a 12 to 15% increase in price due to currency devaluation and supply chain challenges,” said Khalani.
According to Lawrence, a patient who has been going to public health facility in Elementaitis and Crossroad for treatment, he is now being forced to go to a private hospital to get medicine yet he has no medical insurance which makes it very costly for him.
“It is very expensive for us who have no medical covers, as they are specific to hospitals, we are suffering” said Lawrence.
The biggest cause of all these medicine prices hiking lies in the supply chain systems of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), states Susan Nakhumicha, the cabinet secretary in charge of health.
“The authority is planning to rescue and update over 35 policies which will ensure that staff operate within the procedures and regulations which will enhance end to end visibility in the supply chain of healthcare products from point of origin to consumption,” said Dr. Mulwa, the KEMSA chief executive.
Post Author
