Uasin Gishu County residents have been urged to embrace and register for the new Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from better health services like other Kenyans.
Health Cabinet Secretary (CS), Dr. Deborah Barasa, assured that the new Scheme will ensure that no Kenyan is denied access to quality healthcare.
The CS said under the new programme, President William Ruto’s government, wants to ensure Kenya achieves Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“For a long time, only the well-to-do were able to access quality health, but the President wants to ensure that no one is denied health care services, as the government will step in to ensure no one is left behind irrespective of their economic status,” stated Dr. Barasa.
She applauded the good job done by the Community Health Assistants (CHA) for providing great primary health care services to many households.
“We have achieved more than 300 Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) in Kenya, and Uasin Gishu is doing a great job on the implementation and operationalisation of PCNs,” said the CS.
“We have started to sensitise Kenyans on SHA registration and that when you visit dispensaries and health centres, you will get free medication,” she said.
“Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) initiative aims to provide comprehensive health coverage to all Kenyans, as we have seen. Sometimes people sell their property when they are sick to access medication. If the person dies, they leave their families in dire poverty; that is why the President looked into the new form of insurance,” said Dr. Barasa.
She added that if one registers and pays 2.75 per cent of their income, they will be attended to in level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals.
Barasa further said that under SHA, the rich, as well as the vulnerable population and people with disabilities, will gain access to equal services without discrimination.
“Those who have struggled to access quality health care due to financial barriers, the government will vet the individuals and will step in,” she said.
Uasin Gishu Governor, Dr. Jonathan Bii, extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Health, particularly the CS, for launching the SHA initiative in Uasin Gishu.
“This recognition reflects a significant role in the national health landscape with a growing population of 1.4 million. As Uasin Gishu is experiencing rapid urbanisation, the elevation to city status has increased the urges for our robust health care system that needs diverse means of our residents,” he noted.
He said the County has 138 operational facilities, and the rollout is key to enhancing quality health care.
“Today marks an important moment in Kenya’s health care journey as we work towards a more equitable system for all citizens. The National and County governments are committed to enhancing the health outcomes for every Kenyan, ensuring no one is left behind in accessing quality health care,” said Bii.
“The role out of SHA represents our vision of a health care system that guarantees quality care for every Kenyan irrespective of their income or location, as health care is a fundamental human right and we must uphold this principle,” he noted.
“Our county’s commitment to the transformative potential of SHA in reshaping Kenya’s healthcare landscape means that together we can create a health care future for all as we work together on continuous improvement and monitoring our health services within the SHA framework,” he added.
County Commissioner, Dr. Eddyson Nyale, emphasized the need for community engagement in the SHA rollout, saying National Government Administrative Officers, (NGAOs) will champion the implementation of SHA by ensuring that everyone understands its benefits and the importance of enrolling.
The CC called on the public to actively participate in the registration process by dialling *147# to ensure they can access these essential services.
By Judy Too
