The Ministry of Health held a public participation forum on Wednesday to gather input from the residents of West Pokot regarding the proposed Social Health Insurance Fund regulations that are aimed at operationalizing the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023.
The Ministry of Health requires members of the public and stakeholders to submit their views on the regulations either through memoranda or physical and virtual public participation meetings.
In a meeting that was held at Mtelo Hall in Kapenguria town, residents were invited to give their views or submit a memorandum regarding the proposed Social Health Insurance Regulations 2024 and the Social Health Insurance Disputes Resolution Tribunal Regulations 2024.
Ms. Pamela Cheto, the Assistant County Commissioner, Mnagei Division, stressed the importance of the Social Health Insurance Fund in promoting equity and improving the healthcare system across the country.
ACC Cheto further said that the Social Health Insurance Fund aims at enhancing the quality of healthcare services offered in both public and private hospitals.
She said that public participation enables the government to identify positive public health impacts, thereby strengthening the provision of healthcare services to the general population.
‘‘Public input will greatly assist the government in developing a Social Health Insurance Fund that will effectively address the varied health requirements and aspirations of all individuals, thereby shaping a future that is inclusive and comprehensive,’’ ACC Chito said.
She said the Social Health Authority will tackle the healthcare challenges encountered by the majority of Kenyans when seeking medical care at different facilities across the country.
Cheto said that it is important to put in place measures to prevent medical practitioners from diverting medicine and medical equipment, or instructing patients to purchase medicine from private chemists for personal gain.
Esther Menach, a West Pokot resident, expressed her approval of the proposed Social Health Insurance programme. However, she urged the government to ensure a smooth transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new healthcare scheme.
Fred Lorema called for adequate awareness campaigns at the grassroots level to ensure more residents are informed about the changes in healthcare coverage.
By Anthony Melly
