Counties to Collaborate with Ministry of Health in Crackdown
Pointing out the value of the SHA scheme, Governor Njuki encouraged Kenyans to enroll and use its flexible payment plan, Lipa Pole Pole.
Governor Njuki, during an address at Mpukoni in Tharaka Nithi County when he was breaking the ground for the construction of a 40-bed maternity wing at Mpukoni Health Centre.Photo Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
In an effort to address the escalating concern regarding unregistered and substandard health facilities, the Council of Governors (CoG) Health Committee, led by Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, today announced a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Health to eradicate illegal healthcare operators across the country.
Governor Njuki stated that the committee has been receiving many reports of unlicensed medical facilities that provide substandard services to unsuspecting patients. The majority of these facilities are linked to medical malpractices, which have resulted in unnecessary deaths.
The crackdown will also target those who impersonate medical practitioners, including people who hire out professional licenses to others to operate clinics or pharmacies in rural parts of the country. The racket, which has on occasion been employed to obtain access to government reimbursements, has gravely called into question the integrity and safety of healthcare delivery.
Governor Njuki, during an address at Mpukoni in Tharaka Nithi County when he was breaking the ground for the construction of a 40-bed maternity wing at Mpukoni Health Centre, urged Kenyans to be vigilant and keen when accessing medical services. He emphasized that patients are entitled to care from accredited facilities, particularly under the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme that will standardize and enhance the quality of healthcare across the country.
He further stated that pharmacies, which have opened in huge numbers, are also under consideration. Most are found to be operating without authorization, exposing patients to severe risks through the potential dispensation of uncontrolled or fake medicine.
Pointing out the value of the SHA scheme, Governor Njuki encouraged Kenyans to enroll and use its flexible payment plan, Lipa Pole Pole. He further stated that the spread of insurance premiums throughout the year is a smarter and cheaper alternative to dealing with unexpected and typically costly medical bills.
Njuki praised critics of the new health system to look past short-term issues and appreciate the long-term benefits, especially the reduced financial burden on households in case of medical emergencies.
In addition to these reforms, Tharaka Nithi County will also enhance its health services by introducing early cancer screening machines in all its 115 health facilities within the next one year, an innovation that is bound to enhance preventive health and save lives.
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