By Morris Mwaringa
Residents in Kilifi County have called on the national government to include terminal diseases and polygamy families in the proposed Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) which is set to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
During a public participation meant to collect views on the new proposed health insurance program, the residents said (SHIF) should expand the number of beneficiaries and allow polygamous families to benefit from the fund.
Led by Juma Mbarak, the residents said it is very difficult for them to receive treatment in hospitals because the NHIF insurance only covers one wife, forcing them to use extra money to pay for the treatment of other wives.
Mbarak said it is unfair, for most people who are in polygamy marriages, especially the Muslim community who are the majority.
He said the Ministry of Health should consider including the diseases that are not covered under the current NHIF program in the new health insurance.
Mbarak said some of the diseases are very expensive to treat and many people can’t afford to pay for their expenses.
“Let the government in the new program (SHIF) cover treatment and medicines of the rare and complicated diseases”, he said.
Another Noliah Kinya who is suffering from anemia said she is having a difficult time accessing treatment and medicines.
Kinya said she is currently covered by the NHIF but the doctors always refer them to chemists to buy medicines for my ailments.
“It is not good at all because I pay for the NHIF, but it does not cover my condition,” she said.
Kilifi County NHIF Manager Omar Mwatabu said that the government will work towards addressing the grievances raised by the residents.
Mwatabu said the government will ensure all citizens are entitled to the new health insurance fund and will be treated equally.
“The issue of you being sent to pharmacies to buy drugs while you have been credited with an insurance fund for coverage of your treatment will never happen,” he said.
He said under SHIF, the government will cover everything and everyone will have access to affordable and proper treatment.
