Ruto announces government to pay SHA contributions for 1.5 million Kenyans from next week
The President also said he would soon meet governors and MPs so that they, too, can pay for close to another one million Kenyans.
The government will pay Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions for 1.5 million Kenyans who do not have the ability to pay beginning next week, President William Ruto has announced.
The President also said he would soon meet governors and MPs so that they, too, can pay for close to another one million Kenyans.
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He explained that SHA contributions are equitable at 2.75 per cent of income, pointing out that this has enabled the government to get enough funds to contribute to those who cannot pay.
"Unlike NHIF, which covered those who could afford and those who had jobs, SHA is for all Kenyans. Healthcare is not the preserve of a few; it is for all Kenyans," he said.
Speaking during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Turkana County at State House, Nairobi on Tuesday, the President challenged them to accelerate SHA registration to guarantee affordable and quality healthcare for every household.
President Ruto said SHA payments are sent to specific hospitals, not counties as before, in an effort to ensure the medical facilities are able to provide quality healthcare.
He explained that SHA is a comprehensive health insurance programme providing many benefits and easing the burden of medical bills among citizens who would otherwise not be able to pay for healthcare.
Once again, President Ruto cautioned dispensaries, health centres and sub-county hospitals against charging patients for outpatient services, saying the government has set aside Sh21 billion for these and it will pay through SHA.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, MPs and MCAs were present.
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