Hospital dysfunction causes rise in self-medication among patients

In Kenya, the public healthcare system has been marred by numerous challenges, leaving many patients struggling to access essential services. The system, once intended to serve the needs of the populace, has evolved into a lucrative business, often straying far from the ideals of the Hippocratic Oath.

One of the most pressing issues is the exorbitant costs associated with private clinics and laboratories. Patients are frequently faced with hefty bills for services that could be affordably provided in public hospitals. This is a stark reality, as these private institutions charge an arm and a leg for their services, making them inaccessible for many Kenyans.

The public hospitals, unfortunately, are not immune to these issues. Long queues, indifferent staff, and a lack of medicines have become commonplace. In some cases, patients have reported dying in queues due to the lack of immediate care. Moreover, patients are often told that diagnostic machines are dysfunctional or that the waiting list is too long, which is a polite way of asking for a bribe.

In an attempt to circumvent these challenges, some patients turn to pharmacies for their medication needs. However, this too has its pitfalls. Conflict of interest ensures that these drugs are diverted before reaching target hospitals, leading to referrals to specific private pharmacies and clinics.

The government has taken note of these concerns and has proposed solutions. Kemsa, the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority, has been suggested to set up stores in all public hospitals to prevent drugs from disappearing mysteriously. Additionally, the government has been urged to work hard to restore public trust in our hospitals.

In May this year, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni warned Kenyans against self-diagnosis and the use of over-the-counter medications, especially antibiotics. This is a significant concern, as most patients who go to public hospitals with a fever will likely be asked to conduct multiple tests in private laboratories and clinics, further exacerbating the financial burden on the patients.

The current model where drugs are sent to the counties is a conduit for corruption. Reports and concerns have been raised that these medicines are often diverted and sold to private clinics and pharmacies. The County Governments, responsible for purchasing medicines, must address these issues to ensure that the drugs reach the intended recipients.

The high cost of healthcare in private hospitals has pushed many patients to rely on over-the-counter drugs for their first line of defence against common illnesses. An injection that costs Sh200 in a pharmacy can cost upward of Sh3,000 in a private hospital, leaving little choice for poor patients.

In the face of these challenges, it is crucial for the government to take decisive action to reform the public healthcare system. This includes stocking hospitals with drugs to dissuade people from relying on over-the-counter medications, improving infrastructure and staffing in public hospitals, and addressing corruption at all levels.

By addressing these issues, the government can work towards creating a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and trustworthy for all Kenyans. This is a crucial step towards upholding the principles of the Hippocratic Oath and ensuring that healthcare is a fundamental right for all.