UDA Governor Denounces SHIF Ahead of Rollout.
UDA Governor Denounces SHIF Ahead of Rollout: Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata on Sunday, June 16, revealed that his administration would outsource medical cover to the private sector.
According to the Governor, The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) being rolled out in July will not offer a favourable package for employees.
This is despite SHIF being a brainchild of UDA and championed by President William Ruto
He stated,”Starting in October 2024, the County plans to outsource employee medical cover to the private sector, as SHIF will not include an enhanced benefits package,”
The governor further revealed that he would also outsource medical cover for employees stating that SHIF would disadvantage them.
At the moment, The County in partnership with National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) offers Kang’atacare medical coverage to over 20,000 households.
Under Kang’atacare, the households receive access to inpatient and outpatient services as well as dental and optical covers.
Other unique features of the coverage include the last expense cover of Ksh 100,000 for principal members, spouses and children plus Ksh 50,000 for parents.
“During this transition period, there have been disruptions in service provision for employees seeking medical services and Kang’atacare beneficiaries seeking last expense reimbursement,” Kang’ata explained the challenges of phasing out NHIF.
“Kang’atacare’s last expense cover will also be outsourced since SHIF will not offer enhanced last expense coverage,” he explained of the plan going forward.
This comes after Ministry of Health revealed that healthcare services will transition to Social Health Authority (SHA) under three distinct funds; Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF), SHIF and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).
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