Effects Of Participation In Planning And Utilization Of Universal Health Care Scheme

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of participation in planning on the viability of the Universal Health Care (UHC) in Makueni County. The objectives of the study were to examine the effectiveness of the UHC in Makueni County, establish peoples’ perceptions towards the UHC scheme, determine the level of the participation in the planning of the UHC scheme in Makueni County and establish the use of UHC by the residents of Makueni County. The study applied descriptive research design. The unit of observation was the UHC scheme in Makueni County while the unit of analysis was Makueni referral hospital. The target respondents were 85 adult citizens in the county who comprised the outpatients, UHC scheme employees of the community, health staff and also the community leaders within Makueni County. Multistage sampling was applied to select the study sample of Makueni referral Hospital and two sub county emergency clinics. Quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire while qualitative data was collected using an interview guide. Data analysis was through frequency tables and percentages and presentation was through bar graphs, charts and tables. Qualitative data was presented through prose. The study found that (82%) of the respondents did not participate by attending the meetings. More (nearly 70%) of them, however, attended meetings of village health committees. Similarly, more (49%) of other family members had not equally participated in meetings of health committees. The study also found that a majority (71%) had joined the scheme as individuals in 2014 when it was started. The joining fee at that time was Ksh. 150 and rose to Ksh. 500 at the time of this study. All of those who had joined reported benefitting from the scheme, for example, those who had persistent illnesses they might not have afforded medication if it were not for UHC. The study concluded that the respondents did not participate in meetings held for planning and budgeting for the UHC at the county and sub-county levels. The respondents’ perceptions of the scheme were rated as very good, good and poor. The study recommends that Ministry of Health in Kenya and County administrations should commit more resources in the universal healthcare by making sure that the required resources are mobilized to be able to enhance the county health facilities for equitable, quality and accessible healthcare services. The study also recommends that the county government should engage all the stakeholders by providing empowerment and training to enable them deliver the universal healthcare services. Lastly, the national government and county government should continually monitor and evaluate healthcare delivery activities to ensure that the provision of the Universal healthcare coverage processes are appropriately executed.