By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
Worth Noting:
- During the launch of SHA in Kakamega, Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr Debras Barasa congratulated President Ruto for providing leadership that has enabled the dream of the provision and accessibility of quality and affordable health care to all Kenyans become a reality. In a simple language, SHA is a large house hosting three funds: Primary Healthcare Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund and Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.
- The CS termed the transition a key milestone that marked the exit of corrupt-riddled National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)
- From today, every Kenyan will be required to register and become a member of SHIF.
President William Ruto’s administration is a listening government.
Therefore, I have no doubt it has been taking note of every teething problem that stood in the way of the rollout of Social Health Authority (SHA) and Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The Ministry of Health led by Cabinet Secretary Dr Debra Barasa has so far moved with speed to address these challenges.
Kidney and cancer patients were among those affected.
The Ministry is moving with speed to assure the Dialysis Centers and Private Hospitals that SHIF fund will clear their bills on time.
It is worth noting that the provision of affordable and quality health services to Kenyans was one of the key pillar of the Kenya Kwanza’s manifesto.
During the campaigns the coalition presidential candidate William Ruto, now the President of the Republic of Kenya, minced no word in assuring Kenyans that this will become a reality. If elected, I will strive to build a legacy that will be remembered by current generation and next generations.
The provision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) will be one of them.
Ever since he assumed office, Dr Ruto has been walking the talk.
During the launch of SHA in Kakamega, Cabinet Secretary for Health Dr Debras Barasa congratulated President Ruto for providing leadership that has enabled the dream of the provision and accessibility of quality and affordable health care to all Kenyans become a reality. In a simple language, SHA is a large house hosting three funds: Primary Healthcare Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund and Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.
The CS termed the transition a key milestone that marked the exit of corrupt-riddled National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF)
From today, every Kenyan will be required to register and become a member of SHIF.
We have established registration desks in all health facilities across the country to register those who have not registered.
She also unveiled the link for those who opt to register online.
During the launch Debra also disclosed that more than 12 million Kenyans had so far registered. 400,000 new members registered on that day.
It emerged that the process of transferring the details of NHIF members to the new Fund had started earlier.
The CS also took this opportunity to allay fears of any disruption during the transition period.
We have reactivated our systems and so the bills of Kenyans who were currently hospitalized and undergoing certain medical procedures will continue being cleared.
But the critics of President William Ruto would not see this as a key milestone and this would not come up as a surprise.
They have all along been trying to derail and sabotage the mega projects initiated by President Ruto.
Reason? They were envious of seeing Dr Ruto building his legacy.
Some of them had employed similar tricks during the reigns of President Mwai Kibaki and his successor President Uhuru Kenyatta.
President Ruto has since stood his ground. He would not give them a hearing and that is why he has succeeded in rolling out a number of projects that will transform the life of current generation and the generations to come.
The enactment of SHA and SHIF opens a new a page in our history.
No Kenyan will be denied medical attention.
The government will pay the monthly contributions of the poor and vulnerable members of the Kenyan society.
SHA and SHIF is looking forward to generate Sh148 billion annually.
The fund apart from catering for medical expenses of Kenyans will be used to modernize and equip the hospitals/medical facilities to ensure they were at par with those in developed countries.
The story of raising fund to airlift those suffering from life threatening ailments such as cancer that could not be treated in Kenya to India or Europe will now become a thing of the past.
The cost will now be reduced drastically as Kenyans will access the treatment locally.
The critics wanted Kenyans to believe that they will dig deeper into their pockets to sustain the SHIF fund.
So far, they have not produced tangible evidence to support their claims.
Kenyans have no problem paying the monthly contributions.
The only assurance they want from the government is that they will get the quality service and SHIF will be shielded from being infiltrated by corruption cartels.
The new law to operationalize SHA and SHIF recommends punitive measures.
Whoever found guilty of stealing the fund-money set aside for patients- you will face the full force of law.
President Ruto has been reiterating that there will be no sacred cows.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga Is A Writer And Social Commentator Based In Nairobi
