Media as a Catalyst for Healthcare Reforms

In the heart of Mombasa, a woman’s distressing experience at Makadara Hospital serves as a indeed reminder of the challenges facing our healthcare system. During a recent health journalism training workshop, she shared her story of giving birth while sharing a bed with another patient who was bleeding heavily. This incident not only highlights the urgent need for reform in maternal healthcare but also underscores the critical role of women journalists in advocating for change.

As she recounted her experience, the emotional weight of her words resounded with everyone in the room. “I was terrified,” she said, describing how she lay next to a woman in distress, fearing for both their lives. This situation exemplifies the overcrowding and inadequate facilities that plague many public hospitals in Kenya. The lack of proper medical attention and resources puts mothers and their newborns at significant risk, raising serious questions about patient safety and care quality.

This story is not just about one woman’s experience; it is a call to action for women journalists to shine a light on the systemic issues within our healthcare system. As members of a women’s media association, we have a unique opportunity to amplify these voices and

Advocate for accountability. By investigating stories like this, we can bring attention to the fraud, waste, and abuse that often go unnoticed in our health sector.

The training workshop emphasized the importance of health journalism in uncovering these critical issues. Journalists are encouraged to explore various themes related to healthcare, including:

• Overcrowding: Investigate how patient overload affects care quality.
• Resource Allocation: Examine how funds are distributed within health facilities.
• Patient Safety: Assess protocols for managing complications like excessive bleeding post-delivery.
• Community Impact: Analyze how inadequate healthcare services affect maternal and infant mortality rates.

In addressing these challenges, collaboration between journalists and health officials is essential. By working together, we can gather accurate information and report on local health challenges effectively. This partnership not only enhances the credibility of our reports but also fosters community trust in both the media and healthcare providers.

The story shared at the workshop is a powerful reminder of why we must continue to advocate for better healthcare services in Kenya. As women journalists, we have the responsibility to ensure that such experiences are not swept under the rug. By investigating and reporting on these issues, we can contribute to meaningful change in our healthcare system, ensuring that no mother has to endure such trauma again. Let us unite our voices and efforts to demand accountability and reform for our communities and future generations.

By Mercy Mwikali, Admin Assistant, AMWIK