Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni says SHA was expanding access to medical services compared to the defunct NHIF. [File, Standard]
Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has defended the government's healthcare reforms and urged leaders to stop politicising health matters as the State pushes for increased enrollment under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking during the Jamii Imara Mashinani forum in Ololulunga, Narok County, Muthoni said the new health insurance model was expanding access to medical services compared to the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
"When it comes to matters of health, let us not politicise it. Under NHIF, only 20 percent of the people used to benefit from it in hospitals. Right now under SHA, you register and immediately you can benefit from the insurance whenever you go to the hospital,’’ she said.
The Principal Secretary praised Community Health Promoters (CHPs) for supporting the rollout of SHA through household visits, registration drives and preventive healthcare services.
