Government to Enroll Vulnerable Households in SHA Medical Cover

0

The SHA medical cover is part of the government’s broader strategy to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a key component of Kenya’s health agenda.

The Kenyan government has announced plans to extend the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover to poor households across the country, aiming to improve access to healthcare for the most vulnerable. Photo/Ministry of Health.

The Kenyan government has announced plans to extend the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical cover to poor households across the country, aiming to improve access to healthcare for the most vulnerable.

The initiative, unveiled during a meeting on January 15, 2025, brings together efforts from the State Department for Social Protection and the State Department for Medical Services.

Principal Secretary for Social Protection, Joseph M. Motari, CBS, and Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, CBS, revealed that KES 950 million has been allocated in the current financial year to fund this ambitious project.

The goal is to ensure that households unable to afford SHA premiums are provided with medical coverage for a period of 12 months.

To identify eligible beneficiaries, the government will utilize existing databases, including the Social Registry and the Inua Jamii cash transfer program.

The Social Registry contains data on over 4.4 million households, while Inua Jamii supports more than 1.75 million beneficiaries. These databases will be leveraged to ensure the most vulnerable communities are prioritized.

“Our focus is to ensure that no Kenyan is left behind when it comes to accessing critical healthcare services,” said PS Motari. “Through targeted support, this initiative will protect households from the devastating effects of out-of-pocket medical expenses.”

The SHA medical cover is part of the government’s broader strategy to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), a key component of Kenya’s health agenda.

Vulnerable households selected for the program will have their details validated by the SHA before enrollment to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of benefits.

This initiative comes at a crucial time when healthcare affordability remains a significant challenge for many Kenyans. By addressing financial barriers, the government aims to reduce health inequalities and promote better health outcomes for underserved communities.

PS Kimtai emphasized the importance of this program in achieving sustainable healthcare for all. “This is not just about medical coverage; it’s about safeguarding the dignity of our people and empowering them to lead healthier lives,” he noted.

Once implemented, the SHA medical cover is expected to provide a lifeline for thousands of households, enabling access to essential medical services and alleviating the financial burden of healthcare.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing social protection and improving the well-being of all Kenyans.

About Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *