President William Ruto has told Kenyans not to be misled by the provision of universal healthcare under the Social Health Authority.
Saying the health programme is providing more and better services than ever before, the President encouraged Kenyans to continue registering to access enhanced medical coverage.
He pointed out that more than 21 million Kenyans have registered and are enjoying the benefits of primary healthcare and social health insurance.
On Monday alone, 47,000 Kenyans registered for SHA, President Ruto disclosed. Of these, 22,000 have paid their premiums.
“Do not listen to propaganda from those who do not know what is going on. Kenya is moving forward with universal health coverage under SHA,” he said.
“Those who know the benefits of SHA are paying their premiums because they know they will be covered and will not need to sell their property when they seek medical care,” he added.
He made the remarks during the funeral of Cabinet minister John Koech at Olbutyo in Chepalungu, Bomet County.
Also present were Governors Hillary Barchok (Bomet), Eric Mutai (Kericho) and Patrick ole Ntutu (Narok), Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior), Davis Chirchir (Roads and Infrastructure), and Members of Parliament.
The President noted that the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund used to reach only 20 per cent of the population, leaving out the rest. He described this as discriminatory, especially against those who could not pay.
“We must have a national health programme that covers everybody,” he said.
He explained that those who have registered with SHA will be treated at levels two (dispensary) and three (health centre) for free.
They will also access primary healthcare services at sub-county hospitals (Level 4) for free.
The President also pointed out that registration on SHA helps the government improve the delivery of healthcare services.
He explained that registration helps in improving the health information management system and ensuring that patients’ medical history is accessible at every hospital at the click of a button.
The data, President Ruto said, helps the government gather relevant information to plan for the provision of healthcare staff, medicines, equipment and other medical supplies.
“By registering, you are helping us to assemble the data that will help the Government, national and county, to deliver on our constitutional mandate on health,” he said.
The President also pointed out that the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA) has been allocated an additional KSh10 billion to ensure every health facility has adequate medical supplies delivered directly, and not through intermediaries.
At the same time, President Ruto said the government has laid a firm foundation for the progress of the country. He explained that various sectors of the economy are recording tremendous improvements, citing agriculture, education, healthcare, and electricity connectivity.
The government has transformed agriculture, the President said, and cited better prices for tea, coffee, and milk, and the reduction in fertiliser prices.
He said the government is on course to connect 1.2 million Kenyans to electricity within five years.
On education, he explained that the government has streamlined the Competency-Based Curriculum, hired an additional 76,000 teachers, and implemented a new funding model for higher education.
On job creation, the President said the government has rolled out programmes such as the export of labour for jobs abroad, digital jobs, and affordable housing to expand opportunities for the youth.
He also announced the good news over stalled road projects, saying contractors across the country have been paid KSh60 billion, and they are now back on site.
President Ruto challenged his detractors to offer alternative plans to his.
“If it is just about making noise, they will not succeed,” he said.
Governor Ntutu told the mourners that SHA was working and helping many needy families access healthcare.
His sentiments were echoed by Governor Barchok, who said Bomet County ranks second in SHA registration owing to its benefits.
