A registration and sensitization campaign of Kiambu county Afya dubbed “Wamatangi Care” begun Thursday in all Kiambu sub counties.
The health campaign aims at empowering Kiambu residents with comprehensive knowledge on the array of services covered by Kiambu Afya.
Speaking to KNA, a Community Health Promoter at the Kiambu level 5 hospital Susan Nyambura said the campaign was mostly meant to target the aged who cannot leave their house doors, people with disabilities and the financially challenged.
“A lot of people are turning up for the aid of this healthcare, compared to the first phase and it has brought so much positivity in the healthcare sector,” she added
Nyambura stated that Kiambu residents were privileged as with the registration, they could access other treatments such as those of chronic illnesses under comprehensive health coverage.
The Scheme rules out the active members of National Health Insurance Fund that is transitioning to Social Health Insurance Fund, and gives first priority to those struggling financially.
The campaign targets about 500,000 people with a 60 percent turn up for the ongoing registration following the drive being channeled through 10 Community Health Promoters per each Sub-County in Kiambu.
Speaking to KNA, most people who turned up for registration expressed optimism saying the scheme would relieve them of hospital expenses which were beyond their reach.
“I have come to enroll in this programme. I hope it will be a turning point for me since I suffer from diabetes and the medicine is expensive,” Rita Njeri a resident of Kirigiti said.
Another resident from Githunguri, Samuel Maina, said that most families were struggling when it comes to health care for their families and he hoped the ‘Wamatangi Care’ programme is sustained by the County government.
“Governor Wamatangi has done a lot when it comes to health care and we have seen a lot of improvement in hospitals within Kiambu. I am hoping he keeps the momentum and addresses health matters in the County,” Maina said.
The Kiambu Afya programme launched in October last year is enabling area residents to access healthcare services at an affordable cost. Over 300,000 people were registered in the first phase.
The programme is a collaboration between the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the Kiambu County government, offering an affordable healthcare package to recipients.
Residents who enroll in the programme could access in-patient services at accredited government hospitals. Outpatient care is also included in the package and the programme also provides enhanced coverage for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
By Lydiah Waceke
