Residents seeking services at select health facilities in the Bondo sub-county have benefitted from improved services in the past one year, thanks to a virtual suggestion box introduced by a community-based organisation in the area.
According to members of the public, the online suggestion box, dubbed “MaBox” enables them to give feedback on the services rendered, both positive and negative, which is later shared with the relevant authorities without mentioning their names.
Speaking during an appraisal session at Kambajo Health Centre in Bondo sub-county, the beneficiaries hailed the initiative that is sponsored by Nyimine Empowerment CBO (NYECBO) in collaboration with the African Gender and Media Initiative Trust (GEM), adding that it has led to a positive change of attitude amongst health workers.
A Programme Officer with NYECBO, Tracy Iminza Asaza, said the virtual platform also accords the clients a platform to suggest changes that they would like made in the health institutions.
She said that the suggestions are later analysed and shared with the duty bearers, who include health facility managers of the participating hospitals.
Asaza gave an example of the Kambajo Health Centre, where, she said, data analysed showed that the patients were concerned with the level of privacy and confidentiality, which they said was being breached, but once the same was shared with the relevant authorities, the matter was redressed.
The programme officer said that so far, the project covers Kambajo and Kapiyo health centres and Bondo subcounty referral hospital.
GEM Trust official Monica Wanjiru said the project was not about pointing fingers but aims at enhancing health care service provision.
Wanjiru said that the project that is being implemented through the “We Lead Project” provides an avenue for sharing experiences with the aim of identifying the gaps and finding possible solutions.
Nurses in charge of Kapiyo and Kambajo health centres, Jane Oduor and Caroline Werunga, respectively, hailed the platform, saying that it has helped them identify the weak points in service delivery.
Members of the public, led by Jacqueline Osodo, hailed the introduction of the MaBox, adding that it has helped them give their views without fear of victimisation.
“MaBox is private and enables us to talk freely,” she said, adding that it has helped the community have confidence with the health workers in the participating hospitals.
By Philip Onyango
