Residents of Tharaka Nithi County will now be able to access free healthcare services in all primary care networks—specifically dispensaries and healthcare centres—provided they are registered with the social health insurance.
Announcing the directive, Governor Muthomi Njuki, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Council of Governors’ Health Committee, stated that all residents have the right to access quality and affordable healthcare at the county’s facilities without any charges, as an incentive for those who have joined the Social Health Authority.
“I have issued a directive that anyone registered with SHA at our dispensaries, Level 2 facilities, and ward centres will receive healthcare services free of charge,” he said.
He reiterated the importance of residents enrolling, as the data collected will be crucial for the government to plan for improved health services.
Additionally, the county chief noted that those referred for admission will need to be fully paid-up members.
“Those who are registered with SHA will receive healthcare at our Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals without any additional charges. They will be treated free of charge, with no extra payments for services such as imaging, dialysis, and other treatments,” he explained.
According to Governor Njuki, residents accessing Level 3 facilities will incur no fees for outpatient services, although they will be charged for inpatient services.
This initiative is part of the county’s efforts to increase the number of registered residents in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) from the current 27%. He reported that 123,486 residents have enlisted so far out of a population of 463,000 in the county.
The governor says the Social Health Authority (SHA) plays a crucial role in promoting healthcare coverage by improving access to quality and affordable services. He has urged Kenyans to register with the programme to fully benefit from these essential healthcare services.
