Some 500 vulnerable households in Mandera North have been sponsored to access NHIF at a cost of Sh3million through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) in line with the government’s Universal Health Coverage.
While presenting a cheque to NHIF at an event in Mandera, Member of Parliament Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullahi said the initiative is a special program designed and developed by NHIF and his office to gradually benefit more than 5000 people in his constituency.
“NHIF through Supa cover and NG-CDF Mandera North have agreed to help the vulnerable, I have discussed this with NHIF Chief Executive Officer and we are optimistic that the deserving people will benefit from this special program, we are targeting 500 households which will eventually add up to 5000 beneficiaries,” said Abdullahi.
The MP added that those already registered with NHIF are not eligible for the program as it only targets to register new members from vulnerable households to avoid double registration of the needy in the society.
He promised that the number will be increase to 800 households by next year, which translates to 8000 beneficiaries.
On his part, Mandera NHIF Manager Ahmed Yakub requested women to be registered as principal members as cases of men abandoning their families and starting new ones are rampart in the area.
“Our office has had challenges when it comes to amendments, because of cases of men abandoning their families, I want to suggest that women be made principal members because only then, will we be sure that the intended beneficiaries will actually benefit,” said Yakub.
Rhamu area chief Mohamed Hussein thanked both the National government and NHIF for the kind gesture, while promising to help in identifying the most deserving households.
By Charles Matacho
