NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 24 – Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula has called on Members of Parliament and County Governments to address challenges hindering the uptake of the new Social Health Authority (SHA) registration and to champion the program at the grassroots level.
Speaking at two separate funerals in Budalangi, Busia County, and Trans-Nzoia, Wetangula emphasized the importance of SHA, urging county leaders to ensure the program benefits citizens in devolved regions.
“The County Government is the authority on the ground, and it is your key responsibility to ensure that this program benefits wananchi in the devolved regions,” Wetangula said.
He assured Kenyans that any issues affecting the implementation of SHA would be resolved by Parliament. “We urge you to register. Let nobody cheat you. If there are issues, these MPs will resolve them in Parliament,” he added.
Western Kenya Urged to Lead SHA Campaign
Wetangula challenged leaders in Western Kenya to follow the example of Mt. Kenya counties, where collaborative efforts between MPs and county executives have significantly boosted SHA registration.
Citing official statistics, he highlighted Nyeri as the leading county in SHA registration, followed by Murang’a, Kirinyaga, and Embu, where treatment costs are already being covered under the program.
“Every major government program encounters teething problems. MPs are well-equipped to address these hitches to stabilize the health scheme,” Wetangula said, dismissing claims of excessive deductions from employees. He noted that higher earners pay more to subsidize premiums for low-income individuals.
Kiambu’s Push for SHA Registration
Kiambu Women Representative Ann Wa Muratha echoed Wetangula’s sentiments, urging Kenyans to embrace SHA. Speaking at a fundraiser for a hospital bill in Kiambu, Wa Muratha emphasized the need for universal registration to alleviate the financial burden of healthcare.
“Let us all register with SHA so that hospital bills like this one will be catered for without putting families under financial distress,” Wa Muratha said.
Health Ministry’s Call to Action
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo recently urged MPs to champion SHA registration in their constituencies. Speaking during a joint Kamukunji meeting of the National Assembly and Senate, Mulongo emphasized that the success of SHA, as envisioned in the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA), depends on widespread registration.
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai echoed Mulongo’s call, highlighting the benefits of mass registration. “Treatment at primary health care facilities like dispensaries will be free for all registered members. It is for the good of all Kenyans to ensure everyone is registered,” Kimtai said in a media interview.
The SHA aims to provide universal healthcare coverage, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Kenyans while easing the financial burden of medical costs.
Source: capitalfm
