Health rights advocates have urged the government to address issues surrounding the Social Health Authority for full realisation of the universal health coverage.
Under the community-based organisation called People’s Health Movement (PHM)- Kenya, the healthcare rights promoters argued there are gaps in the health service provision in the country.
National coordinator Dan Owala said their research reveals many Kenyans struggle to pay SHA premium due to poverty and affect their access to medication in health facilities.
The government has mandated community health promoters (CHPs) to undertake the role of registering Kenyans for SHA across the country.
“High poverty index in the country is a threat in achieving universal health coverage for the Kenyan government. Many Kenyans in rural and slum areas have to decide whether to buy food or to pay for SHA under the UHC programme with their unpredictable income,” Owala said.
Speaking during training of community health promoters in Rusinga Island, Suba North constituency, the healthcare promoter urged the Ministry of Health to come up with ways of solving administrative issues around SHA.
Some of the administrative issues include lack of internet in rural areas for registering people for SHA. The situation forces community health promoters to demand Sh100 to buy data bundles registration since CHPs cannot use their own money.
Another complaint about SHA is that people who pay premium after the 9th day of the month are not guaranteed access to medication on grounds the payment is not reflected in the system.
There are also delays in payment of stipend by the government as this demoralises CHPs in undertaking the mandate.
According to the PHM official, cases of maternal mortality and abortion are likely to increase because SHA does not recognise the Linda Mama programme, which was previously incorporated in the National Health Insurance Fund(NHIF).
“Statistics reveal that most Kenyans with informal employment are not enlisted in SHA. We’ll not achieve the purpose of UHC if the situation remains as it is,” he said.
The state was asked to find other methods of empowering its citizens economically to get money for paying SHA instead of urging poor Kenyans to use Fuliza money to subscribe for the insurance scheme.
PHM wants the government to fully involve private hospitals in SHA and put ceiling and cap on fees charged for services.
Some of the pillars, which UHC stands for, include making healthcare affordable, inclusive healthcare where no one is left behind and making healthcare available for everyone.
Owala said low uptake of SHA is making other Kenyans to be left out as this interferes with UHC implementation.
“There are private health facilities, which are charging for services provided exorbitantly. Price cap is necessary for people to access promptly and quality healthcare services,” he added.
Subcounty public health officer Robert Nyang’ said issues surrounding SHA are being addressed.
Some CHPs called for a review of the amount paid for SHA as a number of residents are unable to pay the amount of money captured in the government data.
Nyang’ said they are working to pay stipends promptly.
“Most complaints raised by CHPs which hinder implementation of UHC to the fullest are with the government. Both Homa Bay and national governments are working closely to strengthen the SHA for it to function effectively,” he said.
by ROBERT OMOLLO
