BY KEPHER OTIENO
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has made a passionate appeal to the residents of the Nyanza region to register en masse for the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover.
Speaking over the weekend in Seme, Kisumu County, Dr. Omollo expressed concern over the low registration numbers in the region, noting that only 37 percent of eligible residents had so far enrolled in the health insurance scheme.
This figure, he noted with dismay, lags significantly behind other regions in the country where registration has surpassed the 50 percent mark.
“I am amazed and concerned that our people in Nyanza are lagging behind in registering for SHA,” said Dr. Omollo.
The PS said: “I urge each and every one of you to register without delay so that you do not miss out on this essential medical cover.”
He emphasized that the national government has allocated a substantial portion of the current budget to the health sector, with a specific focus on cushioning vulnerable groups from the financial burden of illness.
Dr. Omollo reiterated that SHA is designed to offer inclusive and affordable health coverage for all Kenyans, especially the underprivileged, and encouraged residents not to wait until the last minute to sign up.
“Please, please take advantage of SHA and register now,” he implored. “Do not wait until you are stuck with a health emergency to rush for registration. The time to act is now.”
Dr. Omollo was joined by Seme Member of Parliament Dr. James Nyikal, who also called on residents to register for the program. Dr. Nyikal acknowledged that SHA had faced initial implementation challenges but assured the public that the system was stabilizing and now gaining momentum.
“We are beginning to see real progress in the implementation of SHA,” said Dr. Nyikal.
“The state has made commendable efforts to transform the healthcare system, but more restructuring and reforms are still needed to ensure it serves the people efficiently.”
The two leaders highlighted the importance of universal health coverage and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring no Kenyan is left behind in accessing essential health services.
They urged community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society groups to mobilize the public and help raise awareness about the benefits of SHA.
With the government’s push for universal health care taking center stage in national policy, Dr. Omollo and Dr. Nyikal’s rallying call underscores the urgency for timely action at the grassroots level to make this vision a reality.
In the 2024/25 national budget, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi allocated KSh 4.1 billion to the Primary Health Care Fund.
This investment is part of a broader KSh 127 billion health sector budget aimed at strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system. The Primary Health Care Fund is designed to enhance services at community health facilities, including Levels 2, 3, and 4 hospitals.
These facilities are pivotal in delivering essential health services to the population. Additionally, the fund supports the government’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by improving infrastructure, providing necessary equipment, and ensuring the availability of essential drugs.
This allocation reflects the government’s dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly at the grassroots level, and is a significant step towards achieving UHC for all Kenyans.
