Health systems, not just in Kenya but across the world, are hierarchical, starting with primary care, secondary care facilities, and the highest level of care, consisting of tertiary level facilities that provide highly specialised services. Nairobi Metropolitan Services director-general Mohammed Badi on May 12 announced plans to close KNH for walk-in patients and admit only referrals by July. This is a commendable move towards implementing the Kenya Health Policy 2012–2030 which identifies the need to strengthen the referral system to improve efficiency. Before this, NMS must also strengthen service providers’ capacity to provide not verbal but written referral at each healthcare system level. The ability to transfer clients and specimens between the different levels of the health care system and public education are other key aspects that the metropolitan area leadership should consider closely.

Source: The Star May 19, 2021 00:56 UTC