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Public Relations in health care is a sensitive business. Join us as we delve on the challenges, novel sustainable ways and best practices of managing public affairs in healthcare sectors. #healthcarepr #healthcareindustry #healthcare #publicaffairs #publicpolicy PRISA Southern Africa

The ongoing doctors' #strike in Kenya is having a devastating impact on patient care and public health, especially during the current flood season when the risk of water-borne diseases like #cholera is heightened. As a pharmacist intern directly affected by this situation, I am deeply concerned about my inability to fully utilize my skills and training to serve the citizenry in this critical time of need. The delayed placement of medical officers, dental officers, and #pharmacists for their mandatory internships has left gaping holes in the healthcare system. Pharmacist interns like myself play a crucial role in dispensing medications, providing patient education, and supporting overall treatment plans. Without our involvement, essential #healthcare services are severely disrupted, putting the lives and well-being of Kenyans at risk. The Employment and Labour Relations Court has today ordered the government and Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU) to conclude negotiations within 48 hours and file the final mutual return-to-work-formula (RTWF) on May 8th, 2024 in good faith. If no RTWF is concluded the parties will be at liberty to file and serve submissions on the same day. The court will listen to petitions and make their determination. One last chance was given. I look forward to a timely resolution that addresses the legitimate concerns of medical professionals. The current impasse is unacceptable, and a swift restoration of essential healthcare services is imperative, especially as the country grapples with the aftermath of natural disasters. The people of #Kenya deserve access to quality, uninterrupted medical care. I am ready and willing to contribute my expertise, but I am currently prevented from doing so due to this avoidable situation. I call on all parties involved to prioritize the health and safety of Kenyan citizens and work towards a solution that allows healthcare workers like myself to resume our vital roles in the system.

I'm starting my 5th week working as a Research assistant stationed in Kiambu County . The experience I've had in a span of 4 weeks is nothing but God given. Like any other experience having the good , the bad and the ugly part of it ; I'm grateful. It has exposed me to the dynamics of team work, Helped me learn how and when to communicate and enforced hands-on practice in understanding the Kenyan healthcare system (in both public and Private facilities across different levels of healthcare from Clinics to Secondary facilities). One of my favorite artists from Budapest wrote a sing 'Santé' ; a song that celebrates the mundane day to day living and in a beautiful way stoically applauding the existence of the individual. It has made complete sense to me as this is my very first 8-5 paying job . One thing boggles my mind, that I'm yet to understand ; was the devolution of healthcare in Kenya a good idea? Was it's implementation guided and monitored while keeping those involved accountable ? With the shift in society globally , how do we retain the integrity of the noble profession while it evoles through time? Do international organisations consider the inequities (moreso affecting the global South) in health while making global policies and 10 year strategies ? I have discovered that I do pay keen attention to detail ,tend to be very goal oriented and perceptive ; weaknesses in my character have also come out that are areas to work on. This made me develop an almost indescribable respect for some of my colleagues who've embodied the diligence , empathy, kindness and teamwork . I've been reminded of our COBES program back in school that played out almost in a similar manner but on a smaller scale and hope to emulate that going forward . Looking forward to the guided and practical implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the global South particularly in Kenya . With hope that data collected will translate into actionable plans to improve quality healthcare and make it affordable for everyone . #firstjob #research #healthcare #universalhealthcoverage #sdg3

In case you are interested

In case you are interested

Management training for healthcare personnel is essential. It is frequently trivialized, especially in the Nigerian healthcare industry, but there is so much to learn. Throughout my program in health operational management, I have learned a great deal. Having a clinical background also provides strong industry knowledge. You tend to see things differently from non- clinical managers because you have been on the field and you know the processes , bottlenecks, challenges of the system, the needs of healthcare professionals amongst others. I believe that every HCP who intends to advance to a managerial position in healthcare should attend a management class. Do not assume you are familiar with the healthcare system; it is highly complex and takes extensive training to prepare for the issues that will arise.

Hospitals are complex. We strive to balance expensive infrastructure with delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care. The real challenge often lies in achieving financial sustainability without compromising quality. American data suggests a compelling trend: hospitals led by doctors outperform those with professional managers on quality metrics. Notably, the top US hospitals, Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, are physician-led. However, a crucial detail is often missed – these doctors possess strong management training. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥: • A physician with management skills likely surpasses a non-medical professional manager. • A professional manager supporting a medical director can be effective, too. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭: • A shortage of doctors makes placing senior doctors in untrained administrative roles a risky strategy. • Time spent acquiring management skills detracts from patient care. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚: Develop a strong cadre of hospital administrators to support medical directors, ensuring quality care is delivered sustainably. What are your thoughts? How can Nigeria ensure high-quality, financially healthy hospitals? I welcome your views on this topic. #Nigeria #Healthcare #HospitalManagement #RiskManagement

Should there be Faculties of Health Management Studies in our Universities? Taking courses from Undergraduate to Doctoral levels. Freeing the clinicians to be focused on doing what they studied hard for and know best - the CARE of the PATIENS. Free to share your thoughts pls… High time we separate Health Management as a specialty in its own right. Establishing Department of Health Management Studies in our universities will not be out of place. From undergraduate level to doctoral level. This stands to create a synergy between the Healthcare professionals and the Healthcare managers. Each hospital should have a health manager to oversee the successful runing of the hospital. Freeing the clinicians to be focused on managing patients’ illnesses. Nothing wrong if a physician after MBBS wants to specialize in healthcare management, and to see that as his/her calling; just like we specialize in Obgyn, internal medicine, general surgery or physchiatry etc after MBBS first medical degree. Advisable to formalize this concept. I see a lot of benefits in this rather than for a doctor to be a jack of all trades. These days and age specialization and excelling in a particular profession or specialty should be the order of the day rather than rambling everywhere and achieving little or nothing. Difficult to see an active surgeon still the same active person managing a densely packed multi speciality hospital. High time we consider our health too and eliminate the physician burnout syndrome and early fatalities in the medical professions. Thanks #RichardAjayi