Availability and quality of obstetric care services in Nyanza Province, Kenya: a situation analysis Available to Purchase

Kenya has seen a gradual decline in the quality of health services particularly those in the public sector. This has adversely affected health status of vulnerable groups including the poor, children and pregnant women. This article discusses research findings on the quality of obstetric care offered by both public and private sector facilities in the Nyanza province. It found that public sector health facilities are under staffed, lack essential drugs and equipment and are unable to offer even basic therapeutic and diagnostic services. Local people have lost confidence in the facilities and only use them when in absolute danger. Sometimes this may be late, leading to severe complications. The article recommends more personnel be trained and posted to rural areas, a reliable supply of drugs and the purchase of necessary equipment for public health facilities. Meanwhile, the private sector should be encouraged to charge less for essential services like maternity care.