The County Government of Embu has suspended the collection of Facility Improvement Fund (FIF) in level 2 and 3 health facilities across the county.
Three facilities have however been exempted including Gategi, Kianjokoma and Kiritiri level 3 facilities as they have been earmarked for upgrading to level 4 status.
According to Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, the development comes after a huge public outcry over cost implication on patients seeking service in the public health facilities.
Since implementation five months ago following passage of the bill into law at the County Assembly, patients have been forced to shoulder the cost of treatment from consolation fees, laboratory tests to drugs.
The move has led to patients shunning public health facilities and opting to seek services in private hospitals or resulting to self-medication with over-the-counter medicines.
“After listening to the outcry and plea from our people, we have deemed it fit to suspend the payments for now,” she said, noting that the majority were not prepared for such a move.
She said the move will also allow them time to have all residents’ transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA) so that cost will be taken care of by the scheme.
“I remain dedicated to improving our healthcare infrastructure and services to better serve the needs of my people,” she said.
By Samuel Waititu
