Accessibility to diagnostic services remains a critical issue in Kenya’s health landscape. Many areas, especially in rural and underserved areas, lack adequate diagnostic facilities, forcing individuals to travel long distances and in some cases, go without testing.
According to the national survey between 2019 and 2020, only a part of the primary health facilities are adequately equipped to deliver the necessary diagnostic services. Specifically, the survey revealed that only about 10 percent of these facilities have the essential equipment and infrastructure required for full diagnostic services.
This disparity exacerbates health inequalities and perpetuates the cycle of disease, increasing the health burden among many Kenyans.
By improving accessibility to diagnostic services through strategic investments in infrastructure and technology, we can close this gap and ensure that all Kenyans have equal access to timely and accurate diagnostics.
The healthcare landscape continues to evolve, with modern medicine breaking the ceiling in treatment modalities and pharmaceutical advances with precision medicine gaining a lot of attention.
However, the effectiveness of many treatment methods depends on the accuracy and timeliness of the diagnosis.
Diagnostic services are the cornerstone of evidence-based health care, allowing early detection and precise characterization of disease. They provide the basis for effective therapeutic interventions, which ultimately determine the patient’s health trajectory.
The potential benefits of investing in accessible diagnostic services extend beyond health improvement. They have broader socio-economic benefits. Early detection of disease not only saves lives but also reduces the economic health burden associated with advanced stage treatment. By shifting the focus from reactive to proactive health care, we can reduce the strain on the health system and direct resources to preventive measures.
A strong diagnostic sector has a ripple effect in fostering innovation, attracting investment, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth.
Most importantly as a country we are closely aligned with the sustainable development goals, especially Goal 3, (Good Health and Well-Being) which emphasizes the importance of universal health coverage and access to quality health services. This should include diagnostic services.
The government has recognized the importance of diagnostic services and included the development of diagnostic infrastructure in the Kenya Health Policy (2014-2030) and the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plan. In order to effectively implement these policies and plans, collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to maximize the impact of investments in diagnostic services.
Private entities like PathCare Kenya, bring expertise, innovation and efficiency to the table. These collaborations and partnerships can leverage the strengths of these sectors to create a sustainable diagnostic ecosystem that meets the needs of Kenya’s diverse population.
Technological advancements in the diagnostic sector will help overcome the traditional barriers seen today in the healthcare landscape. Services like home sample collection services in the diagnostic sector can support Telemedicine companies in offering innovative solutions to reach remote and marginalized communities. Leveraging these advances can improve the effectiveness, accuracy, and reach of diagnostic services, paving the way for a healthier and more resilient Kenya.
Investing in diagnostic services is not just a health issue; about human dignity, social justice, and economic prosperity. This will contribute to early detection and better management of the disease. In addition, building strong and sustainable health systems in Africa requires investment in diagnostic capacity, with technology playing a key role in achieving this.
The writer is the Managing Director of KE PathCare Laboratory.
