Transforming Healthcare in Kenya: The Case for Telemedicine in Counties

4 min read · Aug 9, 2024

Recently, I read an intriguing opinion piece in the paper about the urgent need for counties in Kenya to adopt telemedicine. The article highlighted the growing healthcare challenges due to a shortage of qualified physicians and proposed telemedicine as a viable solution. As a pharmacist deeply invested in improving healthcare accessibility, this piece resonated with me.

Kenya, like many other sub-Saharan African countries, is grappling with a significant shortage of healthcare professionals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a global shortage of healthcare workers is projected to reach 12.9 million by 2035, with sub-Saharan Africa bearing the brunt of this shortfall. The shortage of physicians results in inadequate medical attention, especially in rural areas, where healthcare facilities are few and far between. The WHO estimates the current shortage of healthcare professionals in Africa is around 2.7 million.

The Dire Effects of Healthcare Shortages

The consequences of this shortage are dire. Lack of essential health services, such as immunization, exacerbates existing health issues and increases the burden of preventable diseases. For workers already in the healthcare system, the strain leads to overworking, stress, and ultimately, absenteeism and migration. This vicious cycle further depletes the healthcare workforce and diminishes the quality of care available to patients.

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to bridge the healthcare gap. By leveraging technology, healthcare services can be delivered remotely, reducing the need for physical visits to healthcare facilities. This is particularly beneficial in rural areas, where access to healthcare is limited. Telemedicine can provide timely medical consultations, diagnostic services, and follow-up care, improving overall healthcare outcomes.

The adoption of telemedicine can help mitigate the shortage of healthcare professionals by enabling doctors to provide consultations and treatments remotely. This not only alleviates the burden on the limited number of physicians but also makes healthcare services more accessible to those in remote areas. According to the American Telemedicine Association, telemedicine has been shown to improve patient engagement, adherence to treatment plans, and overall health outcomes.

Case Study: Murang’a County

Murang’a County is set to pilot a five-month telemedicine program in conjunction with two healthcare providers and donor support. This initiative aims to provide healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances to see a physician. By utilizing telemedicine, doctors can assess patients’ conditions through video consultations, analyze their environment, and provide comprehensive treatment plans.

The Murang’a telemedicine pilot program represents a significant step towards addressing the healthcare access challenges faced by many counties in Kenya. If successful, it could serve as a model for other counties to follow, demonstrating the potential of telemedicine to transform healthcare delivery in Kenya.

The Benefits of Telemedicine

1. Improved Access to Healthcare: Telemedicine can bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, especially in remote and underserved areas. Patients can receive timely medical advice, reducing the need for costly and time-consuming travel.
2. Enhanced Patient Outcomes: By providing continuous care and follow-up through telemedicine, patients can adhere to treatment plans more effectively, leading to better health outcomes. Studies have shown that telemedicine can improve the management of chronic diseases and reduce hospital readmissions.
3. Cost-Effective Healthcare: Telemedicine reduces the need for physical infrastructure and resources, making it a cost-effective solution for delivering healthcare services. It can also alleviate the burden on healthcare facilities, allowing them to focus on patients requiring in-person care.
4. Flexibility for Healthcare Providers: Telemedicine offers flexibility for healthcare providers, allowing them to manage their time more efficiently and reach a broader patient base. This can help reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction among healthcare professionals.
5. Support for Rural Healthcare: Telemedicine can support healthcare workers in rural areas by providing access to specialist consultations and medical advice. This can enhance the quality of care provided in these regions and reduce the need for patient referrals to distant healthcare facilities.

Jungopharm: Supporting Access to Medicine

While Jungopharm is not a telemedicine platform, its role in improving access to medicines through a network of distributors is equally critical. By ensuring that pharmacists across Kenya can obtain the medicines they need promptly, Jungopharm plays a vital part in the broader healthcare ecosystem. This support is especially crucial as telemedicine services expand, ensuring that prescribed medications are available where and when they are needed.

The adoption of telemedicine in Kenya is not just a technological advancement; it is a necessary step towards addressing the healthcare challenges faced by the country. By leveraging telemedicine, counties can improve healthcare access, enhance patient outcomes, and alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals. The success of telemedicine initiatives, such as the one being piloted in Murang’a County, could pave the way for broader adoption across the country.

As we move towards a more connected and technologically advanced future, telemedicine will play a crucial role in shaping the healthcare landscape in Kenya. With continued innovation and support from all stakeholders, including platforms like Jungopharm that ensure the availability of essential medicines, the dream of accessible and equitable healthcare for all Kenyans is within reach.

Dr Rafiki

Author: Lewis M. Gitau