By reporter
Treasury and economic planning cabinet secretary John Mbadi has appealed to Kenyans to support the new health scheme.
Mbadi the new health scheme SHA will be a key changer in provision of health services in the country.
“We should not reject the new health scheme in totality . Let should accept it and be part of it in the new health scheme dispensation” he said.
Mbadi’ s sentiments were shared by a section of government officials from Nyanza region who asked politicians from politicizing the health scheme for their own selfish gain.
They appealed to the residents to register for the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Calls for Kenyans to register with SHA has elicited debate in the country as some opposition politicians criticize the government for allegedly transiting from the defunct National Social Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA without public participation.
The politicians have also argued that SHA is inefficient and expensive.
At the weekend, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Authority (LVSWWDA) Chairman Odoyo Owidi and Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) board member Hesborn Omollo said it was wrong to politicize SHA.
Odoyo said SHA was meant to provide health solutions to all Kenyans and urged residents to register for the medical insurance.
“It is high time residents deafened their ears to people who oppose the ongoing registration for the new medical cover. SHA is a good programme that guarantees all Kenyans opportunity for affordable medical care,” he said.
Speaking during a fundraiser in aid of construction at Oneno Nam SDA church in Karachuonyo constituency, Odoyi expressed concerns that some politicians were taking advantage of hitches in SHA implementation to get political mileage.
He said health services should not be mixed with politics.
“There are people who keep telling Kenyans that SHA is not working. Their agenda is to taint the image of Kenya Kwanza government for political mileage,” Owidi said.
He said SHA will enable Kenyans from with low income to get medical care.
They said introduction of SHA will prevent cases of theft which were witnessed in the NHIF.
“SHA has clear records which ensure minimal theft to enable Kenyans to get medical care whenever they are sick. The scheme enables the poor to benefit from contributions of the rich because the rich contribute more money,” Odoyo said.
Owidi said SHA will cushion families from fundraisers held for settling medical bills.
