By Kenya News Agency
The Committee on Health in the National Assembly visited the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret City on Friday to review project implementation, budget allocations, and legal matters.
The Chairman of the Health Committee, Robert Pukose, praised the hospital’s effective services, urging the administration to maintain their high standards of cleanliness and care.
However, he expressed concerns about the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that it required a lot of sensitisations in terms of updating details online, especially for communities at the grassroots who do not possess smartphones or have no access to cyber services.
“We’re pleased with the services offered here at MTRH, but we need to ensure everyone can navigate the transition from NHIF to SHA, especially those without easy access to technology,” Pukose stated, adding, “This is critical, especially for those who do not have smartphones and might not be able to reach where we have cyber so that their details can be properly entered into the SHA system. But despite that, we think that from the feedback, I think the system should be able to look for a way on how those people without smartphones can be helped update their details.”
He reassured the public that no patient has been turned away due to lack of medical cover or the need to purchase medicines externally.
He called on private hospitals to support government efforts by not turning away patients during this transition period.
After touring various departments, including the renal dialysis and cancer units, Pukose noted that the facility is functioning well and encouraged any patients with concerns about accessing specialised services to reach out.
He asked Kenyans with issues with SHA to call a 24-hour toll-free line, 0800720601, so that they could be assisted.
