Eradicating medical negligence will require more than a probe

Amid the blame shifting, finger pointing and the ‘It wasn’t me’ chorus that emerged from the medical fraternity following the surgery mix-up at the Kenyatta National Hospital lies the chronic decay of the larger health sector.

Unlike the ministries of Finance, Agriculture or Education, which tend to have huge budget allocations and therefore constantly attract media attention, the health sector and the ministry in charge tend to operate in an ecosystem that is relatively distanced from the limelight yet under chronic mismanagement. This status is not accidental but well organised, with profiteers and accomplices stalling and fighting any attempts to institute essential reforms. Three aspects stand out.