Governor Johnson Sakaja has approved the appointment of 11 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to oversee the city’s level 4 hospitals. This decision, announced during his 32nd Cabinet meeting at City Hall, marks a strategic step towards enhancing management and service delivery across Nairobi’s public health institutions.
Sakaja’s initiative aligns with a broader strategy to emulate the successful administrative model currently in place at the city’s level 5 hospitals. By appointing CEOs to lead the level 4 facilities, Sakaja intends to address the challenges faced by these hospitals and improve their operational efficiency. The governor highlighted the positive outcomes observed at level 5 hospitals under this model and expressed confidence that the same approach would yield similar benefits at the level 4 institutions.
“The introduction of CEOs at our level 4 hospitals is a crucial step towards streamlining operations and enhancing service delivery,” Sakaja said. “We have seen significant improvements in management and patient care at level 5 hospitals, and we are optimistic that this model will bring about the same positive changes in our level 4 facilities.”
The new CEOs will play a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of healthcare management. Their responsibilities will include ensuring that the hospitals meet modern healthcare demands, improving financial management, and enhancing overall accountability. This strategic move is expected to fortify the governance structures within these hospitals, making them more adept at meeting the needs of Nairobi’s diverse population.
Sakaja emphasized that the decision to hire seasoned professionals aligns with the county’s latest healthcare reform strategies. The county government aims to address the chronic shortages and stock-outs of essential medications that have plagued these facilities, impacting service delivery. The appointment of experienced CEOs is seen as a critical measure to overcome these challenges and ensure that hospitals are better equipped to serve the public effectively.
The governor also referenced the Public Finance Management Act (2012) and the Facilities Improvement Financing Act (2023) as foundational frameworks guiding this initiative. These legislative requirements underscore the need for greater accountability and enhanced management in public health institutions. By appointing CEOs, Nairobi seeks to introduce robust governance structures that will streamline operations and improve financial oversight.
In addition to leadership changes, the county cabinet has proposed innovative solutions to address medication shortages. The introduction of revolving fund model pharmacies is among the strategies aimed at stabilizing drug supply and making healthcare more affordable. This model, which involves secondary sources of essential medications, is expected to reduce the frequency of stockouts and ensure that patients are not turned away due to the unavailability of necessary drugs.
“This model will help stabilize drug supply and improve the efficiency of our healthcare system,” Sakaja noted. “By ensuring a consistent supply of medications, we aim to enhance patient care and make healthcare more accessible to Nairobi’s residents.”
The governor’s emphasis on innovation and robust management structures reflects a commitment to improving the overall quality of healthcare in Nairobi. With the new CEOs set to assume their roles, there is optimism that these measures will lead to a more effective and efficient healthcare system, capable of meeting the growing demands of the city’s population.
Nairobi’s healthcare system, managed directly by the county government, encompasses 128 health facilities distributed across six levels. Despite receiving a substantial portion of the health sector budget, these facilities have struggled with issues such as medication shortages and stock-outs. The recent cabinet meeting highlighted the need for proactive measures to address these challenges and ensure that the city’s healthcare system operates at its highest potential.
Governor Sakaja’s latest initiative represents a forward-looking approach to healthcare management, aimed at enhancing service delivery and ensuring that Nairobi’s health facilities are well-equipped to serve the public. As the new CEOs step into their roles, their leadership will be crucial in steering Nairobi’s level 4 hospitals towards a more efficient and effective future.
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