The Moderating Effect of Finance in Determination and Provision of Universal Health Care in Kenya

Abstract

This research work explores the potential role of finance in determining the implementation of Universal Health Care in Kenya. UHC refers to a global health system that ensures all individuals have access to quality health care services in the country without having to endure any financial destitution. It has two fundamental goals: optimizing the impact of health care services, and eradicating financial crisis that bring impoverishment to families due to high health care costs (WHO, 2016). Governments all over the world have been exploring ways and means of achieving a lasting solution towards a stable and cost effective UHC system for all the citizens. The research was guided by the following objectives: to determine the influence of drugs in hospitals on delivery of health care services, to assess the impact of health care personnel in health institutions, to determine the influence of medical machines, Equipmentss and to assess the influence of infrastructure in health care facilities on delivery of healthcare services in Kenya. Logic positivism a mix of strategy methodology which involves qualitative as well as quantitative analysis was applied. It was also guided by the theory of demand and supply by Mclure (2017) and adopted positive paradigm philosophy. Further, it used descriptive survey research design. The research study was carried out in Nyeri County in central Kenya. There are 101 healthcare institutions in that county. The sample size for this research was 78 respondents derived by applying Yamane (1967) formula from the population of study which was 101 healthcare facilities. Data was collected from the county hospitals level 6, 5, 4, and level 3 facilities through the use of questionnaire inquiry on drop and pick method. Data was manipulated using descriptive and inferential statistics which involved frequencies, percentages and cross tabulations. Data was run by application of SPSS version 25 method of getting the values of central tendency such as, variances analysis, standard deviation, inferential statistics, correlation coefficient and regression results to assemble the data. Bivariate correlation and regression results findings supported the attempt to test hypotheses direction. The four main valuables tested in the hypotheses study were found to be reliably significant and in right direction in attempt to discover the Moderating effect of finance in determining the provision of UHC in Kenya health institutions. The drivers are; medical drugs in hospitals, health personnel, modern medical Equipmentss and infrastructures. The research study concluded that financing in health services has direct influence on provision of UHC programs. However financing fails to have the moderating effect on UHC in comparison to the other variables because it assumes the superiority position as observed from the regression coefficient analysis results (beta = 0,383). Financing is always there it can only be enhanced. The study recommends further investigation on other areas perhaps individual personal health care insurance cover to take care of health needs, away from out of pocket payment for healthcare bills. Governments should encourage citizen to utilize NHIF health scheme available in the country by enrolling as many members as possible.