The health sector was reformatted in 2009 by Kenya's Ministry of Health with the goal of enhancing and promoting public health. It established the Hospital Management Services Fund, which would be run by Hospital Management Committees at the site level (HMCs). Since the devolution of healthcare took place in 2016 and the HMCs were created at the county level, Busia County has not carried out a performance evaluation of them. Devolution's primary objectives in Kenya include, among other things, fostering social and economic growth and offering nearby, conveniently available services. With an eye on Kenya and other African contexts, we assessed the HMCs' selection criteria, orientation, induction, and performance in Busia. Data was gathered from every HMC member at six level 4 and one level 5 hospitals through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Documents gathered at both the institution and county levels were properly analysed and utilised. All seven hospitals under review did not completely adhere to the National Guidelines. Three hospitals (or 43% of the total) submitted names of candidates with educational backgrounds below the required O level certification. A further 33 percent (43 percent) discriminated against minorities and those with disabilities, breaking Kenya's 2010 Constitution. The report indicates extensive errors that were made throughout the hiring process, leading to stress and annoyance among HMC members, employees, and those living nearby the hospitals. Last but not least, because the proposed HMC members have not yet been appointed, facilitated, or gazetted. They are unable to fulfil their duties and commitments legally.
William N. Okedi,
Department of Public Health and Behavioural Sciences, Alupe University College, Busia, Kenya.
Ferdinard Adungo,
Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya.
Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/ETDHR-V9/article/view/7453
