Residents in dire need of a medical cover, thronged Kimorori primary school, in Kimorori ward of Murang’a in their hundreds to try their luck at getting enrolled for the county-sponsored medical care scheme.
Oblivious of the fact that the scheme would only recruit and enroll 34 new members in each ward based on the neediest of cases, the young, the elderly, and even those walking with support streamed in pregnant with hope.
Currently the scheme has enrolled over 40,000 beneficiaries and seeks to recruit and register 34 new members per ward across the counties 35 wards.
The vetting panel included the area CHPs, the area chief, a religious leader and a medical officer, to ensure that only the most needy and deserving persons, get enrolled into the scheme.
KNA spoke to some of those who turned up. While some cited having health conditions that necessitated frequent hospital visits, others with no existing medical conditions wanted to be enrolled to get the cover in case they ever fall sick in the future.
Agnes Muthoni, aged 70 years, showed up accompanied by her grandchild.
“I had an accident sometimes back and injured my leg and from that time I developed arthritis and even though I do not visit the hospital as often, I need this cover as it will ease the burden on my children whenever I fall ill,” she says adding “I do not have the medical records to show the frequency of hospital visits but I am hopeful that I’ll be successful.”
At the vetting table, the applicants were required to produce medical history records, with priority being given to those with chronic ailments, diabetes, hypertension and even those living with disability.
The brain child of Governor Irungu Kangata, the Kangata-Care package covers outpatient and inpatient care in SHA-contracted facilities, dental and optical care, free cancer screening, chemotherapy, dialysis and renal care services and medical imaging services.
Additionally, in the event of demise of the principal member, a last expense benefit of Sh100,000 cash and Sh25,000 secondary school fees to their children is offered.
Bernard Mwangi, a widower in his late 70’s, also showed up for the registration and notes that living with a chronic illness not only has insurmountable challenges but is also financially draining.
“I visit the hospital in Murang’a every month and this may be so for the rest of my life, and relying on well-wishers for my daily drugs is difficult because I’m unable to work but with this cover, I will be able to live a near normal life,” he says adding, “I have all the medical records and clinic book and I am confident I will be considered for this medical cover.”
Mary Wambui who was unsuccessful in getting enlisted urges the county government to reconsider and enroll more beneficiaries.
She notes that accessing medical care in the current economic times is an uphill task.
“I do not have any health conditions nor do my children, but I came so that I can secure this cover as I await the birth of my third child, but I have been told I do not qualify and was asked to instead enroll for Linda Mama,” she says, clearly disappointed.
The Kimorori situation was replicated all over the 35 wards, with some wards initially registering up to 200 people before vetting and narrowing down to 34 most needy cases.
By Florence Kinyua
