Innovation and Realization of Universal Health Care Coverage in Kenya: A Case of National Hospital Insurance Fund

Abstract

Purpose: The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) plays a role of health financing which is a key pillar of universal health care coverage in Kenya. However, as of 2014, the Universal Health Care (UHC) index in Kenya was at [52%] compared to [55.0%] in 2019, which represent a mere improvement in access to health by [3%] in a span of 6 years. Thus, a lot has to be done in ensuring that everybody has access to affordable and quality health care services. Although innovation is an important construct, there is scanty of literature and evidence to link it with realization of universal health care coverage in the economy. Thus, the effect of innovation on realization of UHC Coverage by NHIF was explored. Specifically, process innovation and technological innovation in relation to realization of UHC by NHIF was determined. Diffusion of innovation theory and the technology acceptance model theory guided the inquiry.
 Methodology: Explanatory descriptive survey design was embraced targeting [155] respondents. In total, [112] respondents were selected through stratified random technique. Information in primary mode was obtained through questionnaire that had semi-structured items. The questionnaire was pilot tested among [12] respondents selected away from the study sample. Processing of the gathered views was done descriptively and inferentially. Tables and figures were used in presenting the analyzed findings.
 Findings: It was noted that process innovation and technological innovation all have significant influence on realization of Universal Health Care coverage by National Hospital Insurance Fund. The study concludes that innovation significantly predicts realization of universal health care.
 Recommendations: The study recommends that policy makers at National Hospital Insurance Fund should regularly review the existing policies and amount of premiums contributed by members especially the self-employed people so that the same is affordable. Information and communication technology managers working at National Hospital Insurance Fund should invest in latest and modern state of the art technologies and replace the existing and obsolete ones.