The Evolution of Healthcare in Kenya Amidst Doctor’s Strike and the Rise of Digital Health Innovations
In Kenya, the accessibility and delivery of healthcare have shifted significantly in the wake of the recent doctors’ strike. The strike, which labored on for almost two months, was one of the longest doctor’s strikes experienced in the country. The vulnerability of the majority of the population that relied on public health services was laid bare, with patients being turned away and those in ICU and emergency receiving minimal services. Key medical services including surgery at public hospitals were grounded. Inevitably, the cost of treatment rose as some of the patients had to be transferred to private facilities.
With traditional healthcare services disrupted, the demand for digital health soared, especially in rural areas where access to basic healthcare services is already limited and costly. The Digital 2024 Report for Kenya published by Datareportal indicates that the number of people seeking digital health treatment stood at 7.49 million as of the end of 2023. With the recent doctor’s strike, these numbers have continued to rise. In rural areas, where most health centers are geographically far, digital health has conveniently reduced the cost of transport and treatment. Kenya is home to several leading digital health platforms, such as M-Tiba, MyDawa, and BYON8. Access to these digital health solutions has been further enhanced by the rise in mobile connections, which, according to GeoPoll, exceeded the total population by 118.7% as of January 2024.
During the strike, BYON8 was one of the platforms that played a pivotal role in addressing the increased demand for telemedicine. Josef Murad, CEO and Co-Founder of BYON8 explained how the company adapted to the situation: “During the recent doctors’ strike, BYON8 enhanced our platform’s capacity to handle increased traffic.” He further noted that they are actively growing their doctor community to provide healthcare professionals with a flexible platform for remote consultation services in rural areas. “We plan to extend our outreach to more rural locations, focusing on partnerships with local healthcare providers.” Other digital health platforms have also made major strides in investing towards better accessibility to health services in rural areas. MyDawa is a key example with its acquisition of a $20 million investment to expand its regional reach.
When discussing the expansion of digital health services in Kenya, national key health opinion leaders echoed the sentiments of BYON8’s CEO regarding the urgent need to extend these solutions to rural areas. However, each expert added their own perspective on what must be done to enhance the effectiveness and reach of digital healthcare. Dr. Rowena Njeri, a prominent healthcare professional and Program Lead at Strathmore Business School, emphasizes the evolving role of digital health. She notes, “Digital health platforms should not be seen as substitutes but as partners in care.” She highlighted the need for digital health systems to overcome disintegration issues and stressed that for it to be effective, digital health must be patient-centered and focused on improving patient outcomes beyond the hospital setting. “There’s a need for interoperability and for systems to adhere to WHO SMART guidelines.”
On the policy front, Dr. Ryan Nyotu, Founder of AfyaPress, a health innovation company involved in the design, implementation, evaluation, and adoption of digital innovations in Africa said, “Digital health has the potential to get Kenya to Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which is why the Kenyan government has placed digital health as one of the key pillars for its attainment.” He remarked that from a long-term perspective, digital health is set to improve patient outcomes which they are already seeing in areas such as HIV care.
The future of healthcare in Kenya is inextricably linked to digital health technologies, which will likely play a crucial role in ensuring continuity of care and improving health outcomes across the country. The lessons learned from the strike will drive ongoing innovation and adaptation, paving the way for a more resilient and accessible healthcare system. As Kenya continues to innovate and invest in digital health, it is crucial to prioritize seamless integration with existing healthcare systems, ensuring that these technologies not only provide immediate relief during crises but also enhance patient outcomes in the long term. Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and investors must unite to build sustainable, patient-centered digital health models that can transform Kenya’s healthcare landscape.