By Lucy Jemeli
Kimilili Member of Parliament, Didmus Barasa, has raised concerns over the ongoing operational challenges facing the Social Health Authority (SHA), urging President William Ruto to initiate a comprehensive review of the system. Barasa's call comes amid growing frustration over the difficulties Kenyans continue to face in accessing healthcare services, despite the government's efforts to shift from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) under SHA.
In a recent statement, Barasa emphasized that while SHA was established with the noble aim of providing universal healthcare coverage, persistent technical malfunctions and inefficiencies have hindered its effectiveness. "The SHA was established with the noble intention of providing universal healthcare to all Kenyans. However, the current operational challenges are hindering its effectiveness. It's imperative that we reassess and refine the policy framework to ensure it serves its intended purpose," Barasa said.
The MP's remarks come as the government strives to improve the healthcare system through SHA. However, many Kenyans have experienced ongoing issues, including disruptions in service delivery, which Barasa argues must be addressed to restore public confidence and improve healthcare accessibility.
Health Cabinet Secretary, Deborah Barasa, has acknowledged the challenges, particularly the technical interruptions that have affected SHA’s operations. She pointed out that over 500,000 Kenyans have benefited from SHA since its inception, but admitted that system failures have caused delays in service delivery. "We are working tirelessly to ensure the Social Health Authority operates efficiently. A new server has been acquired to address system interruptions, and our technical team is streamlining operations," CS Barasa assured the public.
Barasa’s call for an urgent policy review reflects a growing consensus among legislators and the public, who demand a more robust and reliable healthcare system. As the government moves forward with efforts to address the issues plaguing SHA, stakeholders are calling for increased transparency and swift action to ensure the system lives up to its promises.
The successful implementation of SHA is critical for the achievement of universal healthcare coverage in Kenya. With the government's focus on improving the system, ensuring its operational efficiency will be key in improving health outcomes and reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of all Kenyans.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.