Kenya’s ministry of Health has reported commendable achievements in establishing primary health care networks (PCNs) around the country.
According to Mary Muthoni Muriuki, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards, 160 PCNs have been established successfully, with 41 currently in operation. This means that 87 percent of counties have at least one working PCN. PCNs that are operational have shown great success in providing quality primary healthcare services, including enhanced outreach, illness screening, improved patient referrals, and better coordination among health workers.
“The establishment of these Networks has been a vital component of our healthcare strategy, aimed at improving the delivery of primary healthcare services across all counties,” said PS Mary Muthoni.
Primary Health Care (PHC) will be the primary point of contact with the health system and the basis for a healthy society, meeting the majority of an individual’s health requirements throughout their lifetime.
This will ensure that essential health services are available to all individuals and families in the community. It will also enable the delivery of person cantered care in a comprehensive manner, ensuring that PHC plays an important part in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by providing services anywhere and at any time.
“The establishment and operationalization of Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) Exemplify Kenya’s commitment to enhancing PHC. These networks integrate various Levels of healthcare delivery and coordinate multidisciplinary health teams to ensure Comprehensive and coordinated care,” added PS Muthoni.
PNCs have been successful in achieving significant results. It ensured enhanced coverage and access in counties such as Garissa and Vihiga, where Family Planning Integration Coverage rose from 66 percent in 2019 to 87 percent by 2022. Also, skilled deliveries in Garissa County increased from 75 percent to 98 percent.
In West Pokot County, the Kacheliba PCN has benefited from expanded personnel resources for health and the installation of a functional theatre, thereby significantly improving service delivery. There have also been newly built hubs in Lamu County, which have resulted in fewer referrals to the County Referral Hospital, hence streamlining healthcare access.
MOH has also achieved tremendous progress in its training and capacity-building activities. There are 248 master trainers trained to assist counties in establishing their PNCs. The trainers will guarantee that the PCNs function effectively by spreading and implementing best practices.
In Kisumu County, the use of drones for commodities distribution has enhanced the delivery of medical supplies to rural locations. Other than that, Kwale County has established household obstetric ultrasound assessments, which improve prenatal care and early diagnosis of complications.
All of the established PCNs used standardized techniques to conduct baseline assessments. This is to guarantee that there is a thorough awareness of the primary healthcare landscape. The National PCN Observatory was established to ensure real-time tracking and monitoring of PCN creation throughout counties, hence ensuring openness and accountability.
The Ministry of Health has developed an electronic community health information system (e-CHIS) to provide real-time data availability and accuracy. This system will facilitate decision-making and resource allocation.
“Primary Health Care will be able to address fundamental health needs and Improve overall health outcomes through a holistic and community-oriented approach. It will empathise integrated, comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated care, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care,”
PHC will guarantee that Kenya develops a resilient healthcare system that promotes health fairness, increases economic productivity, and ensures a prosperous future for all inhabitants.
