By A, KNA
Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia has called on all Heads Of Department (HODs)to ensure that the clients they serve are registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) in a bid to boost the numbers of registered people in the county.
This is after recent data showed that only 29.1 per cent of the residents had registered with the new health scheme.
Lotiatia asked the government officials to put a desk in their office premises where their clients can register for SHA, as all offices were connected with government Wi-Fi.
“We are currently at number 36 out of 47. We should put more effort to ensure the numbers go high by the end of the year,” he said.
He was speaking at his Boardroom during a head of department meeting that was attended by the eight Deputy County Commissioners and all heads of National government departments.
He reiterated that SHA has three categories, that is: Primary Health Care, Secondary Health Care and Emergency Health Care, where all Kenyans regardless of their level of income and the nature of illness will benefit.
“As opposed to the former insurance that only benefited those with pay slips, SHA is inclusive of every citizen regardless of your level of your status in the society. Everyone will be treated equally,” he said.
He noted that there has been an increase in chronic diseases in the country that are very expensive to treat and the only way to benefit is by registering for SHA.
“You can’t be treated in the hospital before you are registered. It is a very important exercise. Please let us urge our relatives and friends to register,” reiterated the commissioner, adding that the county targets to register about 1.4 million people.
He told off some leaders spreading fake information on the new health insurance saying the new policy is the best as it accommodates all people, who will contribute depending on their level of income.
SHA is designed to ensure every Kenyan resident access a comprehensive range of quality health services they need without financial constraint.
One can dial *147# and follow the simple steps to register.