Profits Over Patients? No

In Kenya's ambitious march toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), private health facilities are scrambling to partner with the Social Health Authority. On paper, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) sound like the ultimate win-win. But scratch the surface, and a glaring question emerges: are private players truly committed to equitable care, or just another profit-making venture?

Take TB care, a cornerstone of public health, yet glaringly overlooked in many private setups. The very facilities eyeing UHC contracts have left gaps in basic services. Their commitment to "standard care" often extends only as far as the cheques flow. It’s no secret that for many private providers, underserved areas and chronic conditions like TB simply don’t fit into their business models.

Yet these same facilities now want a seat at the UHC table, hoping for lucrative contracts and public funding. Should we roll out the red carpet for those who have repeatedly ignored the health of the most vulnerable? Without stringent scrutiny, Kenya risks turning UHC into a blank cheque for private profits, not better health outcomes.

The solution? Enforce rigorous accreditation. Before engaging in PPPs, private facilities must demonstrate their commitment to standards of care, especially in neglected areas like TB. Transparency in service delivery and financial practices must be non-negotiable, and performance evaluations should involve independent bodies and community-led monitoring mechanisms.

UHC is a promise to all Kenyans, not a business deal. Private facilities have a role to play, but only if they are willing to put patients before profits. If they can’t meet these expectations, they should stay out of the way of Kenya’s healthcare revolution. Otherwise, UHC will be nothing more than an expensive charade, where those who need it most remain in the shadows of neglect.