Essential Drugs Inadequacy is an Impediment to Utilization of Universal Health Coverage; the Case of Seme Sub-County in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Many countries have been putting more effort in Universal Health Coverage through strengthening health systems to provide affordable, safe and high quality care. The Kenya government prioritized attainment of Universal Health Coverage which aimed at cushioning citizens against out of pocket expenditure on health services, though faced with challenges of staffing and inadequate medical supplies for proper implementation. Aim: This was a descriptive cross sectional study design which examined the factors influencing utilization of Universal Health Coverage utilization in Seme Sub County. Subject and Methods: The study targeted both community members and health facility managers. The health facilities were stratified according to their levels of care and randomly selected. The catchment population was stratified by administrative locations and a proportionate sampling technique applied giving a computed sample size of 377 participants, determined by Fischer’s formula. The descriptive statistics were organized and summarized using tables and charts, while logistic regression analysis determined relationship between variables. Results: The study revealed that availability of essential drugs in health facilities contributed positively in utilization of UHC as the availability of drugs in health facility is 2.52 times more likely to make people solely use UHC (OR=2.52, 95%CI=1.36- 4.69, p<0.05). Conclusion: Essential drugs have direct significant influence on utilization of UHC services by community members. Considerable progress will only to materialize through improved supply of adequate essential drugs and procurement of essential medical equipment in the government health facilities in Kisumu County.