Leadership and followership

Consider an actual situation from your professional career where you worked for a leader whose leadership style was inconsistent with what you desired or a leader whom you did not admire. Although others may tell you that you could always quit or work for someone else, doing so is not always an easy or wise choice. The question then becomes: How can you follow someone you do not admire? Consider this question and share your thoughts, to include the following:

Describe the leader in question and the situation in which you worked with them.
Note: Do not identify the individual or the organization where they worked. If necessary, use fictitious names in your description.
Identify specific traits that made/make the leader unadmirable or difficult to follow.
Identify the effects of this individuals leadership.
Did the aspects that made them an unadmirable leader produce any negative consequences, whether for yourself, for another individual, or for the organization?

Full Answer Section

       
  • Expansion of healthcare coverage: The Act aims to cover a wider range of health services, including preventive care, chronic disease management, and mental health services.

Critical Analysis:

Strengths:

  • Potential for improved access: The Act has the potential to significantly improve access to quality healthcare for millions of Kenyans who currently lack adequate coverage.
  • Focus on primary healthcare: The emphasis on primary healthcare is crucial for addressing health needs at the community level and preventing disease.  
  • Sustainable financing model: The establishment of a dedicated funding mechanism through social health insurance can ensure the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.

Weaknesses:

  • Concerns about equity and inclusivity: Ensuring equitable access for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living in remote areas, remains a significant challenge.  
  • Implementation challenges: The successful implementation of the Act will require strong leadership, adequate resources, and effective coordination between various stakeholders.
  • Potential for unintended consequences: The Act may lead to increased costs for certain segments of the population, particularly those in the informal sector.

Nursing Role in the Legislature:

Nurses play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the Kenya Social Health Insurance Act. Their contributions include:

  • Advocacy: Nurses can advocate for the effective implementation of the Act, ensuring that the needs of patients are prioritized.
  • Education and awareness: Nurses can educate the public about the benefits of social health insurance and assist in enrollment processes.
  • Data collection and analysis: Nurses can contribute to data collection and analysis to monitor the impact of the Act and identify areas for improvement.
  • Quality improvement: Nurses can play a key role in improving the quality of healthcare services provided under the new system.  

Conclusion:

The Kenya Social Health Insurance Act represents a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage. However, its successful implementation will require careful planning, strong leadership, and the active participation of all stakeholders, including nurses. By working together, we can ensure that this legislation delivers on its promise of improved access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans.

 

Sample Answer

       

A Critical Analysis of a Recent Healthcare Legislature: The Kenya Social Health Insurance Act, 2023

Overview:

The Kenya Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans. It seeks to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) by establishing a comprehensive social health insurance system. Key features include:  

  • Establishment of a Social Health Authority: This independent body will oversee the implementation and management of the social health insurance scheme.  
  • Creation of three distinct funds:
    • Primary Healthcare Fund: To finance essential healthcare services at the community level.  
    • Social Health Insurance Fund: To pool contributions from both formal and informal sectors to finance secondary and tertiary care.
    • Facility Improvement Financing Fund: To support the upgrading and modernization of healthcare facilities.