Ikolomani Member of Parliament Bernard Shinali has issued 1170 National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) cards to vulnerable families in his constituency.
While issuing the cards at Idakho North, Idakho Central, Idakho South and Idakho East, the MP said the NHIF which is part of National Government Universal Healthcare programme would enable beneficiaries to access quality and affordable healthcare services.
He said the 1170 are in the first phase and with more constituents expected to be listed with the Fund targeting to register at least 8000 beneficiaries across Ikolomani, and urged the beneficiaries to avail themselves for fingerprint capture.
“In my quest towards the Universal Healthcare agenda, I’m determined to ensure vulnerable households across Ikolomani constituency access healthcare services,” he said.
The MP urged residents to go to hospitals when they are sick whether they have funds or not.
Ikolomani Sub County Director of Health Dr. Micheal Watamba said most residents who sought treatment at Iguhu County hospital lacked NHIF Cards and did not have enough funds to cater for their medication.
He said with the NHIF cards, most patients would access medication at the hospital and the burden of diseases would be reduced in the community.
Dr. Watamba also revealed that Kakamega County government is constructing a theatre at the Iguhu county hospital to enable surgeons conduct surgeries at the facility.
“If you are sick, come and get medication, do not stay at home until you are overwhelmed,” he said, adding that the county government is expanding health services in the Sub County including the construction of a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) next to Iguhu hospital.
By Moses Wekesa
