Physician, healthcare reform crusader. MD INFORMED HEALTHCARE CONSULTING . Healthcare PE/VC Support. I invest time and a few coins. Show me the data!
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Articles by Edward Omete
CBDs changing medical entrepreneurs’ inclines
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary In the CBD, a few once coveted premises are now vacant and landlords have had to adjust terms to retain or woo tenants. The CBD, formerly a coveted location for medical entrepreneurs, seems to have had a period of low attraction of doctor owned clinics. Part of the reason being the attendant crowds, dilapidated, inaccessible buildings and garbage may have made it hard for patients to spend time in certain areas.
Do nurses make better hospital managers compared to doctors?
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary In public hospitals in particular, historically, doctors as the senior-most trained cadre, have always felt the right to be at the helm of hospital management. Nurses on the other hand, believe that as the cadre with intimate contact time with patients, their knowledge of the day to day workings of hospitals is unsurpassed. As such, it imbues them with an added advantage over the other cadres.
For equity in health, Treasury must fund referral hospitals
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary The national government’s involvement in healthcare in the devolved context, is mostly policy making and training. Apart from this, the Ministry of Health also administers special programmes such as HIV, Malaria, Tuberculosis, Immunisation, family planning and some diseases of interest. Indirectly, through her parastatal hospitals, the other role is running some few critical institutions.
Opportunities for marketers and advertising professionals in health sector
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Social media, as a bidirectional channeled communication mode, creates a double edged sword though. Anyone can say anything. Incidence of online assault on institutions, their staff or the quality of services offered by disgruntled customers, sometimes externally influenced to soil an institution’s name are not unheard of.
NSE offers health providers avenue to cure money woes
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Metropolitan Health Services was inducted into the Nairobi Securities Exchange’s (NSE's) Ibuka segment. Ibuka, (Kiswahili for emerging) is an incubation sandbox geared towards accelerating the number of businesses listing on the NSE, which has undergone a lengthy drought. The event in itself, is important for two reasons: one, it is the first time that a mainstream health enterprise will feature on NSE, if the deal does go through.
Gift your folk a medical device this Christmas
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary For urban folk with kin upcountry, the ultimate measure of a gift is in its thoughtfulness and usefulness. An ideal one, should be something that offers day to day functionality, as opposed to aesthetics or single use-discard alone.
Fourth quarter marks new start for health enterprises revival plans
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary To stay alive, an institution needs to begin with a three-month “survival mode” phase. The second phase is the “stabilisation phase”, in which businesses must strive to absorb the impact of the big hit. The third recommendation was readjusting the business models to the new norm. The fourth phase should mark the official “new beginning” post-recovery.
Delicate balancing act after Covid workplace disruption
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary For organisations whose efficiency improved from work at home policies, will this be carried forward? For those that see potential reduction in office space costs, does it trump productivity? Health & Fitness Delicate balancing act after Covid workplace disruption Wednesday December 09 2020 A mother working from home.
Doctors, take opportunities abroad and start own practice
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary To the new doctors joining the profession, my advice would be to start planning for the future life with health entrepreneurship outside public sector employment as an option. Whatever little you get, think of it not as a salary, but as potential capital. It may be the only income you will have for a while.
State must ensure that rural citizens gain from affordable housing
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Because housing as a parameter is a proximal determinant to academic performance, health, family size, access to utilities etcetera, we need to ensure it reaches all Kenyans.
Health entrepreneurs should explore strong chamas for healthcare project financing
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary With liquidity tightened, people and entrepreneurs in particular have to make quick decisions and source for alternative financing arms. Historically, one such popular borrowing mechanism for Kenyans has been through chamas, our informal financial groups. Their membership tends to be clustered around a common interest, women’s group, work place, church, industry eg matatu, shopkeepers, vendors and recently boda bodas.
Confession: I ‘voted’ Trump and would repeat were I an American voter
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary To many global citizens aspiring for a new world, a conflicting paradox is understanding the difference between America and Americans. The two are not the same thing, and to many, President Trump seemed to offer a clear distinction on the two. The man aside, he has his flaws, but so do we all.
Time to deploy antibody testing for economic benefits of community
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Two emerging issues are our low testing rates, and identification of those infected to curtail transmission. While scientists rush towards a vaccine, the reality is that this is a bit uncertain when the timelines will be delivered. Parallels have been drawn with the HIV pandemic in terms of the testing and economic impacts of each.
Ride hailing firms should deduct NHIF, NSSF cash
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Gig-economies are seen as the future of work, by allowing almost anyone, anywhere to get on a job platform. With their growth, traditional societal and regulatory expectations on such contracts are unravelling. Driver protests with such ride-hailing firms have centred on commissions taxed and rates charged per kilometre. Regulators have also opined on whether they should be subject to PSV and NTSA requirements.
Insurance reimbursement holds key to sustainable development in the sector
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Health & Fitness Insurance reimbursement holds key to sustainable development in the sector Wednesday October 21 2020 The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) building in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Veteran journalist Alex Chamwada’s features production, Chams Media, ran an episode recently on Nairobi’s booming real estate sector. The show, quoting experts, cited mind-boggling land valuation figures.
Challenges abound in Kenya as world marks mental health week
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Unlike other years in the past, the current celebration is happening in an unprecedented health, financial and social gloom. Combined, they have created a perfect recipe for a mental health tsunami. All the usual stressors and triggers of mental health have been amplified. Traditionally, stressors have been bumped into financial, emotional, social relationships at work, home or on the romantic front and physical health.
Increased funding and change of system sure way to secure public varsities
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Universities must look elsewhere at how peers caught in similar bogs maneouvered the situation. My views are that they should quickly reestablish themselves as beacons of excellence, research and innovation. Secondly, they must attract top talent faculty and reward them accordingly.
Tech disruption looms in healthcare business
Health & Fitness Tech disruption looms in healthcare business Tuesday February 12 2019 ‘Sophia’ an artificially intelligent human-like robot developed by Hong Kong-based humanoid robotics company. PHOTO | AFP Helsinki’s Omena Hotel is as strange as they come. Interesting for those who appreciate what technology and novel business operations augur for the future of hospitality and customer service.
Nairobi should create more green spaces for residents
Health & Fitness Nairobi should create more green spaces for residents Tuesday November 19 2019 Children play at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on August 12. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA In a recent discussion on the shifting trends of Nairobi’s neighbourhoods and the impact the 4.6 million population places on social amenities, it emerges that green spaces are shrinking. Specifically, recreational grounds for families and children’s play.
Make cycling along city roads safer and a key election agenda
By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary In exploring the reasons behind our grim non-motorised road users’ accident statistics, need for strategies to mitigate this arises. In urban areas, bicycles are making a big comeback in many neighbourhoods. Interestingly, it’s not children alone, but adults across both genders are also buying bicycles. This shift augurs well for physical, mental health and green commutes.
We must champion ethical data usage to protect society from
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary While digital platforms serve useful functions such as informing, entertainment and e-commerce, concern is mounting over hidden monetisation agendas from insights gleaned during their utilisation. Targeted advertising in particular, has been singled out.
Opportunities teem for real estate developers around Kenyatta
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Thika Road and the Northern Bypass’ roles in opening up that part of the city, as well as easing commutes for Central Kenya’s satellite townships are notable. The result is a higher population of commuting as well as patients resident in the surrounding real estate developments. These two factors jointly, are certain to influence the health care human resources and by extension investments, in the KUTRRH neighbourhoods.
Morale booster as medical credit fund crosses Sh1bn disbursement
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Data shows that the Medical Credit Fund (MFC), PharmAccess Foundation’s health entrepreneurs’ financing unit, reached a major milestone recently, crossing the Sh1 billion loan disburse (Sh 1,002,604,900 for the fiscal year 2020). This an impressive loan book growth, especially for a non-bank entity. In 2016 the loan book stood at Sh 1,079,700, a pointer to the impressive climb in disbursements over the short period.
LIFESTYLE
A few weeks ago, a tweet citing results from a World Bank study on improvement of water collection charges from slum dwellers drew fire from a section of Twitter users.
Development banks should fund research to solve water access problems
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary A few weeks ago, a tweet citing results from a World Bank study on improvement of water collection charges from slum dwellers drew fire from a section of Twitter users. The bone of contention — the disconnection of water services as a study element amongst such a vulnerable population was perhaps an unnecessary observation. Half of Nairobi would have concluded the study findings before commencement, giving alternative recommendations.
OMETE: Revenue allocation debate should focus on quality of life
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Ongoing Senate war on the revenue administration formula has cast a spotlight on government policy particularly as applies to the principles of equity, equality and affirmative action. At the core of the tussle, is what formula to use towards sharing the scant funds, a mere 349 billion in a trillion-shilling budget.
Rethink approaches to curb human-wildlife injuries
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary According to the Wildlife Compensation and Management Act 2013, loss of life, bodily harm, damage to property, crops and livestock attacks by wildlife ought to be compensated. However, the relevant body has been weighed down by ever rising claims. Pending estimates cited in a local daily a few months ago, stood at about 2.2 billion.
Key players should join hands to keep artisans safe at work through awareness campaign
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary While associated with positives like speed, precision, accuracy and beauty, automation has a flip side in its high traumatic occupational injuries. Specifically, hand, eye, foot and invisible respiratory injuries have increased in both frequency and severity with its use. Locally, carpentry and metal works are easily the top utilisers of automation, as evidenced by rising sales of motor-driven hand power tools in these crafts.
The rise of obesity nationally demands a quick action plan
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary The Ministry of Health’s 2015 STEPwise survey, found 27 percent of Kenyans as either overweight or obese, with 38.5 percent being women and 17.5 percent men. Amongst urbanites, prevalence was 12 percent and seven percent for rural dwellers. A notable feature of devolution being morphing of rural areas into urban ones, this portends doom for rural counties’ statistics as well, as they urbanise.
OMETE: Don’t be quick to discount last mile power programme
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Funded by the World Bank, LMC phase 1 sought to connect 314,200 households that otherwise wouldn't afford upfront connectivity fees. Rightfully so, since many beneficiaries were in rural and least income urban areas. Similar to access programmes in healthcare, LMC has characteristics missed by such critics, most of whom are urban dwellers already on the grid.
OMETE: Let’s innovate around water access for sustainability
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Press revelations on finances of water utilities last week calls for improvement of strategies. While access to water is been measured mainly on physical reach, a public health metric on quality should be added. To achieve our pledged SDG target on access to clean water and sanitation, these are doable.
New trends in medical sector open window for modern equipment
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Lifestyle shifts in society are also creating trend adjustment in healthcare, influencing modern designs and finishes as well as medical infrastructure. In the public sector, construction of most hospitals was in the 80s, through to 2000. Since devolution, however, quite a chunk of new health facilities have been built across public and private scenes.
OMETE: Unlocking traffic jams in Nairobi
Health & Fitness Unlocking traffic jams in Nairobi Wednesday, July 1, 2020 0:01 By EDWARD OMETE Traffic jam in Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG In medicine, the word stasis denotes a cessation of movement. As designed, human bodies consist of multiple organs supported and nourished by continuous movement of substrates, nutrients and excrements via body fluids. Wherever stasis occurs in human physiology, necrosis or decay is sure to follow. The opposite word, homeostatis, denotes a state of equilibrium.
OMETE: Talks a key remedy in row between hospital, insurer
Health & Fitness Talks a key remedy in row between hospital, insurer Wednesday, June 24, 2020 0:01 By EDWARD OMETE Insurers need to bring sector players together to jointly explore fixing high medical costs. FILE PHOTO | NMG The row pitting a tier one private hospital and a leading insurer currently playing out in the media is just a tip of the iceberg in an industrywide problem.
OMETE: Good progress in funding of water and sanitation
Health & Fitness Good progress in funding of water and sanitation Wednesday, June 17, 2020 0:01 By EDWARD OMETE Water is another quick and simple win for President Uhuru's legacy. FILE PHOTO | NMG The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) six champions availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, through equity and equality, with a special focus on women and girls.
Lessons from Marseille’s bubonic plague in 1720
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Marseille’s 1720 bubonic plague history offers Mombasa residents lessons on adherence to public health regulations. As read, the origin was from a ship whose crew were rightly identified as having the plague, given mortalities on-board. On arrival at the port, it was barred from docking, dislodging cargo or any of its crew disembarking.
OMETE: Nanyuki railway line signals safety
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary In the midst of all current gloomy news, some positive happening to brighten up this week. Those following global logistics trends note the clamour for reliable, safe and clean transport modes, particularly, trains making a comeback as a solution for cheap travel in Africa.
OMETE: Lessons from LPG subsidy programme
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Efforts to bring the solid fuels group to LPG use saw the government launch a subsidised LPG project, “Gas Yetu”. Obstacles with cylinder inter-exchangeability and dwindling fortunes at National Oil the implementer(u1) are noted. With global oil prices plummeting, a big reduction in LPG cost is noted. advertisement advertisement Health & Fitness Lessons from LPG subsidy programme Tuesday, April 28, 2020 21:29 By EDWARD OMETE LPG vendor.
OMETE: Health SMEs need shot in the arm to survive Covid-19
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Across the globe, governments are scrambling to come up with all sorts of economic stimulus packages to cushion businesses against the Covid-19 shocks. While the public sector will certainly be cushioned by governments, the private sector is worried about how the 2020 financial year will end. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which form a majority of our businesses are in panic.
OMETE: Indoor games for bonding with children
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Working from home has proved elusive for many employees in the movement restriction and office closures. For those with families, ensuring members maintain some sobriety during this period is important. Children and young adults in particular, face even tougher chances given their normal high mobility lifestyles outside the house, unlike office workers who sit in one place the whole day.
It’s time to rethink city's precarious living conditions
Health & Fitness It’s time to rethink city's precarious living conditions Tuesday, April 7, 2020 21:52 By EDWARD OMETE It’s time to rethink city's precarious living conditions. FILE PHOTO | NMG The last two weeks of the 7pm to 5am curfew have exposed the urban settlements’ precarious living conditions.
OMETE: Why Covid-19 incentives fall short of demand
Health & Fitness Why Covid-19 incentives fall short of demand Tuesday, March 31, 2020 21:53 By EDWARD OMETE President Uhuru Kenyatta. FILE PHOTO | NMG Data on trends in positive cases projected from other countries suggest, the next two weeks to be when cases rise. So far, the Covid -19 response team has done a commendable job ensuring, public education, limited spread potential, security and preparation for anticipated increase in positives.
OMETE: How cotton business can boost farmers and support
Health & Fitness How cotton business can boost farmers and support healthcare Tuesday, March 17, 2015 17:47 By EDWARD OMETE | A farmer picks cotton. Use cotton supplies to buy insurance for farmers. PHOTO | FILE As a Standard Four school pupil, my class visited a cotton spinning factory in the then Central Province as part of our agriculture “fact finding” mission. This was in Kenya’s cotton era where several ginneries and other spinning factories around the country were also operational.
Virus exposes deficit in access to oxygen therapy
Health & Fitness Virus exposes deficit in access to oxygen therapy Wednesday, March 25, 2020 0:01 By EDWARD OMETE A health worker demonstrates how to take temperatures from a patient. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI In the latest COVID-19 briefing, the Health Secretary indicated this is the week when positive cases exponentially grow. As we brace for the impending tsunami, there are a number of things in retrospect observation from nations affected earlier we can fast-track on.
Technology aids in corona battle
Health & Fitness Technology aids in corona battle Wednesday, March 18, 2020 0:01 By EDWARD OMETE A nurse in protective gear at Mbagathi Hospital, Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG With the first few cases of coronavirus detected in the country, unprecedented public health measures have been put in place.
Get more resources for refugee health needs
Health & Fitness Get more resources for refugee health needs Wednesday, March 11, 2020 0:01 By EDWARD OMETE The Daadab refugee camp in 2016. FILE PHOTO | NMG There has been a media campaign dubbed "luquluqu" for the greater part of 2019 sharing stories about victims of forced displacement and their journeys. The initiative strives to highlight the plight of refugees and the altered lifestyles due to displacement.
Deal with these chronic issues to cure healthcare
Health & Fitness Deal with these chronic issues to cure healthcare Wednesday, March 4, 2020 0:01 By EDWARD OMETE A woman wears a face mask in Monterey Park, California on February 27. PHOTO \ AFP New Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has a full tray in his docket. Though the Coronavirus threat seems top, a few other pending items must not be forgotten. One chronic pending item is the almost stagnant Universal Healthcare (UHC) agenda whose fire seems to be fizzling.
KQ turnaround strategy: Lessons for health firms
Health & Fitness KQ turnaround strategy: Lessons for health firms Wednesday, February 26, 2020 0:01 By EDWARD OMETE A lady checks analytics on her laptop. FILE PHOTO | NMG Kenya Airways' #ticker:KQ turbulent times have forced her to attempt manoeuvres to restore her financials to good standing. These approaches range from disposing several planes, leasing others out, staff rationalisation, all geared towards a leaner outfit.
Strengthen disease vigilance in frontlines
advertisement By EDWARD OMETE More by this Author Summary Africa, the last bastion has now confirmed one case in Egypt. Locally, the handful suspected cases have fortunately all tested negative. Mathematical modelling of the potential viral spread causes concern especially over our lack of preparedness. Given the widening contact between our country and China in terms of movement of people and logistics, we need to be prepared.
Lessons from Oslo on reducing road fatalities
Health & Fitness Lessons from Oslo on reducing road fatalities Wednesday, February 12, 2020 0:01 By EDWARD OMETE Accident scene. Harnessing technology can greatly reduce fatalities from traffic crashes. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA This week, I hitched a ride on a lorry to hear truckers views of the NTSA’s new digital speed governors from trucking veterans.
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