Abstract:

Purpose: The current study sought to investigate the effect of Covid-19 pandemic on Health systems and its’ management in Kenya. Methodology: The proposed choice of research design was descriptive design as it seeks to explain the state of affairs through a process of data collection to describe the situation as it is. This study is based in the Kenyan context with evidence being based on the influence of Covid-19 globally. The study is thus qualitative with a focus on key respondents that is the health practitioners in the health facilities handling the CVID-19. The targeted population are both public and private healthcare providers in the health facilities in Kenyan hospitals. The study targeted all health care practitioners from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) doctors’ retention register. The data which was collected by the use of an interview guide which was aided by the help of research assistants. Data was processed using the content analysis and the results was presented in the form of content and/or thematic format. Results: From the findings, the study concludes that Covid-19 has significantly affected the health system. In this regard the healthcare facilities have received the allocated finances to help cub COVID-19 from the ministry of health. For those who did not receive the funds, it was noted that they manage COVID-19 by other means such as Readjustments operation-wise and financially, Funding from donors and charities. The study however concludes that the hospitals have insufficient number of beds, number of ventilators, number of protective gears, number of swabs and number of coronavirus test kits to help manage the COVID-19. Likewise, the study indicates that the number of beds, number of ventilators, number of protective gears, number of swabs and number of coronavirus test kits respectively are not accessible. The study therefore, concludes that the access and adequacy of existing facilities has affected Covid-19 Patients, non Covid-19 Patients, nurses and medical staff as well as administration of hospitals to a greater extent. Besides, the financing of the operations in the hospitals is taken are by the Government has which has taken care of the costs with other hospitals indicating that the patients pay from their personal expenditure. This concludes that the financing s still an issue to many COVID-19 patients especially those who visit private hospitals/clinics. Unique contributions to theory, practice and policy: measures to ensure that the allocation of funds and resources necessary to combat COVID-19 are made available and accessible to all the hospitals in the country. The study recommends transparency and accountability measure by the ministry of health as well as related healthcare stakeholders on the funds allocated for the purpose of fighting COVID-19 pandemic. Likewise, the study recommends the ministry of health, the management of the hospitals and related healthcare stakeholders to maintain the sensitization of the public on the need to ensure primary healthcare practices are adhered to. The study also recommends the development of long-term disaster plans that give clear guidelines that keep the nation healthy especially in low income communities and on vulnerable groups.