Parliamentary Health Committee raises concern over delay in NHIF to SHA switch
Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii (centre) meets the Parliamentary Health Committee led by its Chairperson Dr Robert Pukose (extremely left) who paid him a courtesy call at the county headquarters in Eldoret. The commitee later made an extensive tour of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH). Photo/Jeremiah Choge
The Parliamentary Health Committee has expressed concern over the delay in transitioning from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the newly adopted Social Health Authority (SHA).
The Dr Robert Pukose led committe noted that the transition requires a lot of sensitisation in terms of updating details online.
"The most affected are communities at the grassroots who do not possess smartphones or have no access to Internet connectivity. A lot of sensitisation is required so that wananchi get assisted on the transition,” said Dr Pukose.
The committee toured the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu, to oversee implementation of projects, budget appropriation, and legal matters.
Dr Pukose lauded the effective services offered to the citizens as he encouraged the MTRH administration to keep up their good work of ensuring good services and cleanliness as well.
He affirmed that at the MTRH, no patient has been turned away to purchase medicine outside or for lack of medical cover.
"We call on the private sector to join hands together with the government in adopting SHA and not turn away patients because of the little challenges with the transition. Smooth transition will soon be addressed to ensure every Kenyan is able to access health care services," said Dr Pukose, also the Endebess MP.
“We have toured MTRH and and we have witnessed patients lining up in numbers, which indicates that the services in the facility are good. We have not encountered any patient who complained that they have been turned away or sent to purchase medicine," added Dr Pukose.
The committee spent a lot of time at the renal dialysis and cancer units in what Dr Pukose said was for them to understand more since there have been people complaining on social media that they have not been able to access those specialised services.
"In our tour however, we have established that everything is working out well at the largest referral facility in the region," said Dr Pukose.
The committee, which also paid a courtesy call on Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii and County Commissioner Dr Edison Nyale, asked Kenyans with issues with SHA to call a 24-hour toll-free line, 0800720601, so that they can be assisted.