Affordable Health Care in Kenya May Be Difficult to Find

The Republic of Kenya is a magnificent place to visit or live. With the Indian Ocean on the south-eastern side to Uganda on the west and Tanzania at the southern border, Kenya is situated right on the equator so weather is temperate and stable during summer months or in winter. Encompassing 580,000 kilometers of land area with a population of some 41 million, Kenya represents 42 different cultures and nationalities. Health care is an important issue with HIV/Aids being the foremost health problem to be faced. Malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and respiratory tract infections are contributing factors to a high death rate each year, making health care a critical and vital issue to be dealt with politically. The government has set up dispensaries around the country to help with inoculations and medical care for those who contract diseases and to help in the prevention of those diseases that can be stopped such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.

Finding affordable health care is vital to residents of Kenya

Compulsory membership in the national hospital insurance fund known as NHIF is available to salaried employees in Kenya while it is strictly voluntary for the self-employed. Currently the cost of this insurance is in the range of Ksh 160 up to a maximum of some Ksh 320 but a change in plans will soon see the cost to be based on a percentage of the employee’s salary. Hospitals which are accredited and qualify require a payment of the bill’s balance after a rebate has been paid. This rebate currently varies according to the status of that hospital, ranging from Ksh 400 to approximately Ksh 2,000 for a day’s stay in hospital. This seems quite high but medical costs are soaring in Kenya just as they are around the globe.

Dispensaries and private clinics are there to help in times of need

The government dispensary along with private clinics can treat those who are in need of medical attention by providing services for our patients with simple ailments such as flu and the common cold virus. The clinical officers council registers medical practitioners, dentists, medical lab technicians, and others who deal with medical patients, insuring they be fully qualified in their field. Typically these clinics handle people in areas of about 80,000 people or less and are staffed by one or more clinical officers, nurses, medical technicians, nutritionists, public health officers, pharmaceutical technologists, a health administration officer, and drivers, housekeepers, as well as a support staff. In addition there are sub district hospitals to handle smaller procedures such as C-sections, and minor surgery. Nursing homes are also available to provide care for those who cannot handle their health issues on their own.

Corporate health insurance to meet needs of business

Insuring the employees of business enterprises in Kenya is a widespread and critical part of employing people in the country. Each professional institution, business club, and association must help their employees with good coverage and the best in medical treatment as can be provided. Choices in health care insurers are vast and good coverage is affordable for those who need it. Employers owe it to their workers to provide them with ample coverage.