Machakos County Government will roll out a medical cover for people with disabilities (PWDs) in the county through the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), Governor Wavinya Ndeti has said.
Wavinya said her government will work out on modalities to ensure that PWDs especially those with severe disabilities and from vulnerable backgrounds have a health insurance cover.
“Depending on the numbers of the PWDs in the county, we can either pay for NHIF in full for those in dire need while the rest, the county government can pay half of the amount required,” she said.
The governor further disclosed that the county government would start collecting data on the number of PWDs across the county for purposes of planning.
Speaking on Monday at the Machakos Youth Centre during the issuance of new generation disability cards and assistive devices, the governor also waived fees for medical assessment for PWDs in all health facilities.
She noted that majority of the PWDs were from poor households and could not afford to foot the bills for medical assessment.
“Most of them are struggling and cannot even fend for themselves. Why should they pay for the medical assessment fee? “she posed.
She urged parents not to hide children with disabilities but instead take them to school for them to be self-reliant in the future.
“Do not hide such children. My government will create an enabling environment to ensure such children thrive. We will offer bursaries and any assistance that is required,” added governor Wavinya.
Speaking at the same event, Executive Director for National Council for People with Disabilities (NCPWD) Harun Hassan said the council had partnered with the county government for registration of PWDs.
Hassan noted that registration for PWDs had been a big problem and an arduous task but disclosed that the council in collaboration with relevant stakeholders had eased the process by decentralising it to the county level.
“We have managed to bring the signature for the Director of Medical Services to the county level across the country and registration will therefore be done at level three and four hospitals,” he said.
The Executive Director emphasized on the need for empowerment of PWDs through employment, cash transfer and access to government procurement opportunities.
“We have discussed with the governor a raft of issues including health cover for PWDs and we look forward to forging partnership with the county government to uplift the lives of PWDs,” added Hassan.
More than 200 new cards and assistive devices including wheel chairs, crutches and hearing aids were issued to PWDs during the event.
By Roselyne Kavoo
