Sunview Medipro International, a Nairobi-based healthcare solutions provider, has emerged as a key player in Kenya’s National Equipment Support Programme (NESP), a government initiative aimed at enhancing medical infrastructure across county hospitals.
Photo Courtesy of a Diagnostic Imaging CT Scan Machine
This development comes in the wake of the controversial Medical Equipment Services (MES) program, which faced criticism over mismanagement and lack of transparency.
A New Chapter in Healthcare Equipment Leasing
Photo Courtesy: Sirat Amin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sunview Medipro International
Under NESP, the Kenyan government has partnered with seven suppliers, including Sunview Medipro, to lease essential medical equipment to county health facilities.
The program operates on a fee-for-service model, where suppliers provide, maintain, and upgrade equipment, receiving payments directly from the Social Health Authority (SHA) based on usage.
This approach aims to alleviate the financial burden on counties by eliminating upfront capital expenditures for medical equipment.
Sunview Medipro’s Role and Offerings
Sunview Medipro leverages cutting-edge technology to streamline the procurement, distribution, logistics, and maintenance of medical supplies.
Their services encompass the supply of high-quality medical equipment and consumables, installation and training, maintenance services, and consultancy for healthcare facilities.
By providing comprehensive, end-to-end solutions, Sunview Medipro seeks to empower healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes across Africa.
Transparency and Oversight Concerns
Despite the program’s objectives, NESP has faced scrutiny over transparency and procurement processes.
Senators have questioned the legality of the multi-billion-shilling contracts, citing concerns about the undisclosed identities of suppliers and the potential financial impact on healthcare delivery.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, vice-chairperson of the Council of Governors, informed the Senate Public Accounts Committee that counties were left with little choice but to sign the contracts, despite being kept in the dark about crucial details.
In response, President William Ruto defended the program, asserting that no governor was coerced into signing the agreements and that the procurement process was conducted transparently.
He emphasised that the program is designed to foster transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in healthcare delivery.
Looking Ahead
As NESP continues to roll out, the involvement of firms like Sunview Medipro will be pivotal in determining the program’s success.
Their expertise in providing comprehensive healthcare solutions positions them as key contributors to the initiative’s goals.
However, ongoing concerns about transparency and oversight underscore the need for vigilant monitoring to ensure that the program delivers on its promises without repeating past missteps.