Kenyans and insurance medical firms stand to benefit from an innovation by Aga Khan University Hospital that will allow patients to pay less for consultation.
The new concept that has led to the launch of Family Medicine Centre allows patients to book appointments with their preferred physicians as well as get follow up from the same physician at a reduced consultation fee as compared to the specialized doctors.
Moyez Jadavji, the chief operating officer at the hospital said while it would cost between Sh3,000 to Sh1,500 for consultation, patients seeking consultation at the Family Medicine Centre will pay Sh750.
Dr Jadavji said the concept will help build stronger patient — physician relationships, helping accurate diagnosis and prescription aided by medical history data.
Patients will also be able to benefit from getting to know what kind of ailment they are suffering from early enough.
“Family physicians specialize in the prevention of illness and maintenance of health. They use repeated contacts with patients to develop a strong and empowering patient-physician relationship,” said Dr Linda Thorpe, the section head of Family Medical Centre.
Unlike the system where people seek medical attention when they have already fallen sick, the concept enables both the patient and the physician to be proactive.
Sammy Muthui , the divisional director AON Minet Insurance Brokers said the family health care concept also helps medical insurance firms reduce operation costs and check on fraud, bringing down premiums costs.
It however poses challenges to hospitals of availing unrestricted medicare at affordable costs while curbing fraud by either the patient or the service provider.
“The concept can help reduce a lot of waste for instance when one has chronic ailment then get different drugs from different doctors or physicians,” said Mr Muthui.
Aga Khan University Hospital has two doctors and five nurses specializing in family medicine. It hopes to boost this number by incorporating some of its graduates from Tanzania University which is already offering post graduate medicine programme.
Only Moi University has a similar programme in Kenya.
The hospital plans to launch a post graduate family medicine programme in Kenya in the near future.
Family medicine practice endeavours to care for the entire family, not only by giving them treatment when they are sick but also ensuring that they remain healthy. The services are offered by family physicians who have expertise in a wide range of common ailments.
Ismailimail 