Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has announced plans to seek a private insurance company to offer an improved medical coverage for residents. Kang’ata stated that unlike the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), the newly established Social Hospital Insurance Fund (SHIF) does not include provisions for an enhanced scheme.
He emphasized that this initiative aims to maintain the benefits provided by the ‘Kangata care’ program, ensuring residents continue to receive medical services with additional benefits not covered under the new scheme.
“The NHIF has a specialised medical cover and benefits package which have been abolished in the new scheme therefore we have no option other than to source for the same covers outside SHIF,” remarked Kang’ata.
He pointed out that under the Kang’ata care program, there is the last expense benefit which is not provided for under SHIF unless the county pays extra money for a benefits package.
“The other option we have is to pay extra money for the special package which may not be sustainable due to the budgetary allocation for the health docket,” he added.
The governor also highlighted his commitment to enhancing primary health facilities in the region to alleviate overcrowding at level four and five facilities. He emphasized that under the new health program, patients will only be admitted to these higher-level facilities with a referral from level two and three facilities.
Kang’ata noted that many cases currently handled at level four and five facilities can effectively be treated at lower-level facilities.
He further mentioned that the upcoming completion of Kenneth Matiba Hospital in Makenji and the Kigumo Level Four facilities will significantly enhance the healthcare system in the county.
“We will be opening the Kenneth Matiba level five in two weeks’ time and the facility will serve the residents of lower Murang’a,” he said.
He said the county is targeting to construct 80 new dispensaries to bring to 200 the total number dispensaries in the area, pointing that this will ensure the locals have access to primary health care.
“This year, we have an allocation of Sh180 million for rehabilitation and construction of health facilities and an additional Sh300 million for the medicine and even though the money is not enough I will ensure it is prudently utilised,” he remarked.
