SHA-Driven Health Reforms Crucial to Bottom-Up Transformation, Says Govt Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura
In picture, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressing journalists on Social Health Authority (SHA) in achieving Universal Health Coverage at KICC Nairobi.
By Aoma Keziah,
The government through its spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, has issued a statement emphasizing the critical role of the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all Kenyans, regardless of their financial status.
“This initiative is a major priority under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA Plan) and is built on four essential pillars: Sustainable Health Financing, Effective Supply of Health Care Products and Technologies (HPT), Adequate Healthcare Workforce, and Comprehensive Integrated Health Information Systems.” Said Mwaura.
He further highlighted that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Kenya’s current primary health coverage mechanism, has faced challenges due to its reliance on contributions from employed individuals.
“This model has hindered broader health financing and limited access to equitable healthcare services for the wider population, particularly the uninsured and those in informal sectors.” He added.
To address these issues, he noted that the government has introduced the SHA, which aims to include all adult Kenyans in a sustainable healthcare fund that covers a wider range of services.
“ Unlike the NHIF, which often required additional community fundraising for more extensive treatments, the SHA guarantees that every Kenyan can access quality healthcare through enhanced government support.” He continued to say
He also pointed out that this transition to UHC is possible due to newly introduced legal frameworks such as the Primary Healthcare Act, the Social Health Insurance Act, and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Act.
“These laws will facilitate the creation of three thematic funds: the Primary Health Care Fund, the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (both publicly financed), and the Social Health Insurance Fund (financed through individual contributions). This shift, is designed to ensure more comprehensive, quality, and equitable healthcare coverage for all Kenyans, particularly those in informal employment.” Mwaura explained
The Spokesperson also highlighted that another key feature of the SHA is the involvement of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who will focus on preventive and promotive healthcare, helping to reduce the country’s overall disease burden by enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
He outlined the enhanced benefits of the SHA, which will expand services to include consultation, diagnostic and laboratory services, drug administration, and treatments for both communicable and non communicable diseases stating that these services will be available at Levels 2, 3, and selected Level 4 healthcare facilities across the country.
Additionally, the SHA will also provide increased coverage for chronic and critical illnesses, including cancer treatments, specialized surgeries such as organ transplants, and end-of-life care. Furthermore, he highlighted the new and improved Linda Mama package, which addresses high maternal and infant mortality rates by providing comprehensive care from antenatal to postnatal services.
“ Unlike NHIF’s limited scope, the SHA’s Linda Mama package will also cover Anti-D Serum injections for Rhesus-negative mothers and post-delivery complications. Essential newborn care, including immunizations and management of neonatal complications, will be offered at Levels 2-6 hospitals, ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and their children.” He affirmed.
In conclusion, the government has urged all Kenyans to register for the SHA to take full advantage of the expanded healthcare services, insisting that it’s a bold step towards realizing universal health coverage in Kenya, making healthcare affordable, accessible, and sustainable for every citizen.
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