Kenyans advised to enroll on SHA to benefit from gov't medical services

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo Barasa has called on the public to enroll on the Social Health Authority (SHA) to benefit from Government Medical services.

This is after the shift from The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) which has been the health insurance for decades.

Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of the Social Health Assurance (SHA) programme at Central Primary School, Dr Barasa noted that this initiative aims to expand health care access across the country by providing an inclusive and equitable health insurance option for all residents.

She elaborated on the key features of SHA, highlighting its broader range of services compared to NHIF.

"The SHA program significantly expands access to vital services for instance, the Linda Mama initiative will now cover all antenatal, delivery and postnatal services, while Edu Afya will accommodate all children from kindergarten through 25 years in learning institutions," said Dr Barasa.

She added that the package includes critical updates on funding for dialysis services, which will see increased financial support to cater for individuals with chronic conditions.

"I want to call upon the public to ensure that their details are accurately captured to ensure seamless access to these service. An important aspect of the SHA program is its commitment to providing international medications for various health needs," said Dr Barasa.

"Additionally, individuals who may not be registered will still receive essential ambulatory services and medications within 24 hours at no cost, ensuring that no one is left behind," added the CS.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii on his part emphasized that SHA is a significant enhancement as compared to the previous insurance, adding that the new one is designed to be all-inclusive, ensuring that every individual in the community can benefit from quality services.

Governor Bii reinforced the importance of registration stating that services at health care facilities under Level 2 and Level 3 will be offered free of charge upon registration.

"Today’s rollout is crucial for enhancing the quality of healthcare in our facilities. We aim to provide quality care regardless of income or location," said the county boss.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Eddyson Nyale emphasized the need for community engagement in the SHA rollout, saying that they will champion the implementation of SHA by ensuring that everyone understands its benefits and the importance of enrollment.

The delegation called on the public to actively participate in the registration process by dialing *147# to ensure they can access these essential services.