On January 15, 2025, a group of frustrated patients from Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) stormed the Ministry of Health headquarters at Afya House in Nairobi. Their protest was directed at Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, expressing grievances over persistent challenges with the government’s new Smart Health Application (SHA).
Background
The SHA, recently introduced by the Ministry of Health, aims to digitize patient records and streamline healthcare services across Kenya. However, since its implementation, numerous patients have reported difficulties accessing medical services, citing system failures and inefficiencies.
The Protest
The patients, some visibly distressed, interrupted a media briefing organized by CS Barasa. They detailed their struggles, accusing officials of neglecting their concerns and demanding immediate action to rectify the situation.
Government Response
In response to the protest, CS Barasa acknowledged the challenges faced during the SHA rollout. She assured the public that the Ministry is working diligently to address the technical glitches and improve the system’s reliability. Barasa emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens have seamless access to healthcare services.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Kenyans expressing solidarity with the protesting patients. Critics argue that the government’s rush to digitize healthcare services without adequate testing has led to unnecessary suffering for patients. Supporters, however, believe that while the system has flaws, it represents a step toward modernizing healthcare in the country.
Looking Forward
The Ministry of Health has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the SHA system, incorporating feedback from both healthcare providers and patients. In the meantime, interim measures are being put in place to ensure that patients can access medical services without disruption.
This incident underscores the importance of thorough planning and stakeholder engagement in the implementation of digital health solutions. As Kenya continues to embrace technological advancements in healthcare, ensuring that such systems are user-friendly and reliable remains paramount.
For a visual account of the incident, you can watch the following video:
