By Okong’o Oduya
Busia, Kenya: The Cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr. Susan Nakhumicha has blamed those going to court to stop the implementation of new health rules terming them as a stumbling block in offering better health services to the people of Kenya.
While in Nangina Mission Hospital in Busia County Dr. Nakhumicha noted that court orders are affecting the implementation of better health services to Kenyans including reducing monthly National Health Insurance Fund scheme (NHIF) contributions from sh500 to sh300 monthly.
“In the new laws, we proposed a reduction of NHIF monthly contributions from 500- 300 shillings monthly but we may not be executing it if cases in court will sail through,” she noted
The cabinet secretary revealed that Besides the reduction in NHIF monthly contributions, the government is also introducing chronic illness critical and emergency funds that will treat diseases such as pressure and diabetes.
“We are also introducing chronic illness critical and emergency funds. If you go for a check-up and you are found to have signs of pressure, hypertension, and diabetes you are put on medication without paying anything,” said Dr. Nakhumicha.
She added, “Those with comprehensive medical cover have gone to court barring us from implementing these laws, you can’t pay sh300 from sh500 as NHIF monthly contribution. They have stopped us from implementing a critical illness emergency fund for those who require the services.”
She assured Kenyans that once the case is out of court the government will take two weeks to start implementing the laws.
“Immediately the court case is out of court I only need two weeks to start implementing the law, to enable Kenyans to get the medical services they deserve,” she noted
Busia County Deputy Governor Mr. Arthur Odera appealed to the National government to continue supporting the Busia county government in addressing medical challenges affecting the county.
“We ask for more surveillance support as a border county. We are the border county, whatever comes from across we need to be able to manage it here because if we don’t it can hurt this country,” said Mr Odera.
