A total of 127, 762 households have registered for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) in Embu County.
The number, according to Governor Cecily Mbarire, represents 21 percent of the population, positioning the county sixth countrywide in terms of registration.
She appealed to residents to keep up the spirit as she made a case for the programme she said was working well and set to streamline healthcare provision.
Speaking at Mbui Njeru Secondary School ground in Runyenjes Constituency during Jamhuri Day Celebrations, Governor Mbarire said patients were receiving treatment free of charge
“In the last one and a half month, 1,500 patients admitted at Embu Level Five Hospital have been able to walk out without paying a coin upon treatment because they are members of SHIF,” she said.
She called on residents to ignore critics who are only out to derail the universal health plan with their negativity.
“The biggest challenge surrounding the health scheme is criticism that is meant to dissuade Kenyans from registering,” she said while appealing to locals to ignore naysayers.
At the same time, the Governor asked county leaders and residents to unite for the sake of development, saying no progress can be achieved in a hostile and toxic environment.
She defended her support for the government that many locals deem as oppressive, saying there was nothing good that can come out of being in opposition.
“Let us rally behind this Government that we overwhelmingly voted for so that we can continue drawing benefits in terms of development projects,” she said.
County Commissioner Jack Obuo assured residents of a secure festive season, saying they had done adequate mobilisation of security personnel across the county.
He said they will also be firm in enforcement of all liquor laws as they continue the war on resurgence of illicit and counterfeit alcohol.
By Samuel Waititu
