The government spends only 30% of the total funding requirements for the health facilities leaving them struggling to meet their day to day operational needs.
There many challenges facing the rural healthcare system and these include; limited staffing that in turn leads to work overload, lack of motivation of the healthcare workers in hard to reach areas, for example, health workers sharing toilets with communities, no water sources within a walkable distance to the health facilities. In addition, constant drug stock-outs that insinuate accusations of theft from the public to the health workers.
Furthermore, there is inadequate moral support from political leaders. Most of the political leaders take in what their voters say as the gospel truth to protect their votes thus not making strides to improve the health system.
If we are to turn back the clock of our rural health system, all stakeholders including communities and political leaders must be proactive on matters pertaining to their health.
There is a need for dialogue with community members, political leaders, religious leaders and clan leaders among others on the challenges facing health facilities and address the community expectations.
Empowerment of the community to become active participants and advocates for the health system they deserve. Health facility monitoring visits should also, involve the political leaders to feel part of the system and listen to the health worker’s side of the story.
Written by,
Ajok Betty Lanyero
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Biostatistician