Q1: What is the National Equipment Service Program (NESP)?
Answer:
A1: The National Equipment Service Program (NESP) is designed to ensure continuous access to medical equipment in county health facilities across Kenya. Launched after the expiration of the Medical Equipment Service (MES) program in December 2023, NESP builds on the successes of MES. Under this program, vendors are responsible for providing, maintaining, and upgrading equipment at no upfront cost to counties, with payments made based on services rendered under the Fee-for-Service (FFS) model.
Q2: Why was the transition to NESP necessary?
Answer:
A2: The transition was essential due to the expiration of the MES program, which played a critical role in supplying medical equipment to public health facilities. As MES concluded, NESP was introduced to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services, particularly in surgery, radiology, and ICU care. The shift to NESP allows for the continuation of these essential services without financial disruption.
Q3: What is the Fee-for-Service (FFS) model, and how does it differ from the previous model?
Answer:
A3: The Fee-for-Service (FFS) model enables contracted vendors to provide, install, and maintain medical equipment with no upfront costs to county health facilities. Unlike the previous leasing model, which required ongoing payments for equipment, the FFS model allows counties to focus their resources on patient care while vendors manage the equipment. The government reimburses vendors based on agreed service tariffs, ensuring financial efficiency for counties.
Q4: How was the FFS model implemented?
Answer:
A4: The implementation of the FFS model followed a transparent tendering process guided by the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act. A joint team from the Ministry of Health and County Governments evaluated tenders, resulting in the selection of seven vendors in October 2024. Counties voluntarily signed Intergovernmental Participatory Agreements (IPAs) to participate in the program.
Q5: How does the FFS model ensure the sustainability of Kenya’s healthcare system?
Answer:
A5: The FFS model contributes to sustainability by shifting the financial burden of equipment provision to vendors, enabling counties to focus on healthcare delivery. Vendors cover equipment costs, while the government reimburses for services based on pre-approved tariffs. This system ensures financial stability, and the revenue generated from services can be reinvested into local healthcare systems, strengthening their long-term sustainability.
Q6: What impact will the FFS model have on healthcare delivery in Kenya?
Answer:
A6: The FFS model will improve healthcare delivery by ensuring that medical equipment remains available, functional, and updated. The program guarantees 95% equipment uptime and facilitates timely replacements of outdated equipment, enhancing the quality of care. Continuous training for healthcare workers on the latest technologies will also improve the effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
Q7: How does the FFS model benefit healthcare workers?
Answer:
A7: The model provides healthcare workers with ongoing training on how to operate and maintain advanced medical equipment. As technology evolves, vendors will also offer refresher courses, ensuring that workers remain proficient. This approach enhances local skills and ensures that healthcare professionals can deliver high-quality care with up-to-date equipment.
Q8: What are the financial implications of the FFS model for county health facilities?
Answer:
A8: The FFS model reduces the financial burden on county health facilities by eliminating the need for upfront costs on medical equipment. Payment is made to vendors based on services rendered, which improves financial efficiency. Furthermore, counties can retain a portion of the revenue generated from healthcare services and insurance reimbursements, which can be reinvested into local healthcare systems.
Q9: How does the FFS model support Kenya's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals?
Answer:
A9: The FFS model directly supports Kenya’s UHC objectives by ensuring the availability of essential medical equipment in public health facilities, thus improving access to high-quality care. With financial pressures alleviated, counties can focus more on patient care and service delivery. The program contributes to bridging gaps in healthcare access and quality, supporting the broader UHC goals.
Q10: What are the next steps for the NESP rollout?
Answer:
A10: Next steps for NESP include completing equipment deployment, finalizing equipment lists, and training facilities on new technologies. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with County Governments, will continue to monitor the program’s implementation to ensure smooth delivery of services. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders will be crucial to its success.