Patient empowerment is critical in modern healthcare practice

County Executive Committee Member for Health Dr Benard Wesonga serves a patient at Kakamega Referral Hospital when doctors stage a nation wide strike over their CBA. [File, Standard]

In medical practice, the patient is the most important person around whom the effectiveness and success of any healthcare institution is measured. As Kenya moves to implement the universal health coverage development pillar, sound patient care should be one of its success indicators.

Patient care ensures that the patient is kept happy and comfortable with their overall welfare taking centre stage. Treating patients with dignity and care while maintaining their privacy is one of the hallmarks of a sustainable healthcare system. Experts concur that the medical profession's role is much more than treating illnesses. It encompasses enhancing patient care that improves the quality of life for the sick persons.