Peter Kairang’a Githinji’s life journey is a poignant reflection of Kenya’s evolving healthcare system, from the promise of free medical care in the 1970s to the stark realities of the present-day health system that often leaves patients struggling to afford basic treatment.
Peter was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a rare heart condition involving four defects that hindered his ability to get enough oxygen. His childhood was marked by constant fatigue, making even simple activities like walking or playing a challenge. He was often left gasping for breath while his classmates raced ahead. Despite these challenges, fortune smiled on him when he was nine years old. A team of Israeli doctors, training alongside Kenyan cardiologists, performed a pioneering open-heart surgery at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The operation saved his life, allowing him to lead a relatively normal life, even though he continued to face health challenges, including stunted growth and the occasional fatigue.
For years, Peter enjoyed the benefit of free healthcare, a privilege that was common for many Kenyans in the 1970s and 1980s. During his first heart surgery, his medical care came at no cost as part of the doctors’ training program. By 1991, admission to Kenyatta National Hospital and tuberculosis treatment were also free, with only a small fee required for consultation. This system provided Peter with the medical care he needed without burdening his family financially.
However, the healthcare landscape in Kenya has changed dramatically since then. Today, the cost of healthcare has skyrocketed, and many of the services that were once free are now unaffordable for ordinary citizens. Peter, who once benefited from free medical treatment, now finds himself unable to raise funds for a life-saving procedure abroad. His heart and kidney complications have worsened, and he requires another open-heart surgery, this time a much more complex procedure that Kenyan doctors say cannot be performed locally. The cost of the treatment in India is an astronomical Sh7 million, a sum Peter cannot afford. Despite his pleas for help, he has not managed to raise even one percent of the required amount.
Peter’s story highlights the shortcomings of Kenya’s current healthcare system, despite the government’s efforts to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC). While the Social Health Authority (SHA) offers some coverage, it falls drastically short when it comes to covering complex and expensive treatments. For instance, SHA coverage for medical care abroad is capped at Sh500,000, far less than what Peter needs. The SHA’s limitations have forced Peter to turn to his community for help, creating a fundraising group to cover his treatment costs.
Unfortunately, many patients in Kenya are now finding themselves in similar situations. While the country has more doctors than ever before, the healthcare system is plagued by inefficiency and a lack of resources. Peter points out that patients who are unable to pay for services are often sent home, a stark contrast to the past when no one was turned away due to financial constraints. The growing divide between the rich and poor in terms of access to quality healthcare is becoming more evident.
Peter’s frustrations are compounded by the fact that healthcare professionals in Kenya are increasingly seeking opportunities abroad due to poor working conditions. The growing brain drain exacerbates the country’s healthcare challenges, as the very people needed to address these issues are leaving for better prospects.
Peter’s health has deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, and his situation is becoming increasingly dire. As an electrician, he can no longer perform routine tasks, and his condition continues to worsen. The strain of waiting for funds is taking a toll on his mental and physical health, leaving him feeling weak and uncertain about the future.
His plea to the government, particularly President William Ruto, is simple: he wants the leadership to see the reality faced by ordinary Kenyans who are struggling to access basic healthcare. He hopes that the president will take the time to listen to the voices of patients and understand the true state of the country’s health system.
