The acting Director of Health Financing at the Ministry of Health Dr Elizabeth Wangia presided over the culmination of a three-day Universal Health Coverage [UHC] Communications Strategic meeting in Naivasha,Nakuru County.
Addressing Communications stakeholders from various organisations,Dr Wangia who also doubles up as a member of the Transition Committee on the Social Health Authority [SHA] said the exercise was an effort geared towards sensitization of Kenyans on the progressive reforms being spearheaded by the Government to better health care in the country.
She said Media and Communications are critical elements in proper and most relevant massaging and information passage of the program that seeks to actualise an agenda which represents a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of the citizens.
She urged Kenyans to register for SHA in order to access primary health care services in accordance with Section 4 of the Primary Health Care Act, 2023 thus contributing to a collective national effort for Improved public health.
This she affirmed will come with benefit package of freely accessing services at primary health level including consultation, basic laboratory as captured in the essential diagnostics lists,physiotherapy, oral,eye and ear care,procedures such as wound dressing ,ear syringing among others.
Under this scheme she observed Kenyans will affordably access screening, dialysis, transplants of kidney, and drugs besides ensuring the provision of equipment and recruitment of health workers to offer services at the health facility.
“Initially with NHIF cards, a patient was asked to pay additional funds for getting most of these privileges.SHIF will cater for screening, kidney transplant, provide drugs, have workers to offer services in hospitals, and equip the health facilities besides offering Inpatient care,screening for cancers among other paramount services” remarked Dr Wangia
Speaking earlier on Tuesday at the same event , Health Economist at the Ministry Stephen Kaboro highlighted the significant function of means-testing instrument that will be used to gauge household income, which will be deducted at 2.75 per cent.
He explained that the criteria will be used among those in the informal section, of self-income contributors.
“Means-testing instrument will be used to determine those who can pay, and to what extent, and those who cannot pay will have the premiums paid by the government,” noted Kaboro.
Monday session saw moderation by Dr Kipruto Chesang and Dr Jacob Otachi who form part of the 10-member Committee inaugurated by Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S. Wafula in January this year.
Dr Otachi who was involved in the drafting of Social Health Insurance Act noted that there’s need for adequate and appropriate information dissemination to members of the public in a simplified fashion for easier understanding.
While moderating the topic on ‘The Task at Hand’ which entailed National Health Insurance Fund to Social Health Insurance Fund Model and its value, Dr Otachi who is a Constitutional Lawyer and Governance expert said introduction of SHA will deliver top quality.
“What has changed as a result of these reforms is quality service.NHIF as currently constituted was chaotic watering down the constitutional right to the highest attainable standard of health which shall include progressive access for provision of promotive, preventive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative services.Image of the previous body had been tainted as it was the judge,jury and the bench.The current scheme, is part of a comprehensive healthcare reform package that includes the Digital Health Act, Primary Healthcare Act, and Facility Improvement Financing Act” he remarked.
His sentiments were reiterated by Dr Chesang who emphasised essence of Communications experts to commit efforts in spreading information to quash SHIF misinformation fueled by propaganda through bloggers and politicians,reluctance by the youth to take up the cover among others.
Social Health Authority Transition Committee member Dr Kipruto Chesang
Last week,the Ministry of Health embarked on the verification of NHIF assets and liability to ensure that there is an effective transition to the Social Health Authority.
CS Nakhumicha said that the verification was in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition from NHIF to SHA, one that does not disrupt service delivery to the people of Kenya.
She acknowledged that the transition must be smooth and that those under NHIF cover should not realize the change except for the improved service they receive.
According to the acting corporation secretary at the Social Health Authority Terry Rotich, Kenyans will start contributing to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) on July 1, 2024 while deadline for SHIF registration membership is June 30, 2024.
The registration will take place at any SHA branches, Huduma centres and any other authorised points.
Health financing is a core function of health systems that can enable progress towards universal health coverage by improving effective service coverage and financial protection. Today, millions of people do not access services due to the cost.
