A viral video of Garissa Governor Nadhif Jama handing a patient a KSh1,000 note has sparked questions about the Social Health Authority (SHA) framework.
In the video, the governor dismisses the current healthcare system under SHA, citing that the system is unreliable.
Following the governor’s dismissal of SHA, the Confraternity of Patients Kenya (COPAK) has issued a statement criticizing the state of healthcare in Garissa County.
“Our attention has been drawn to an outdated viral video involving the Governor of Garissa County, H.E. Hon. Nathif Jama, publicly dismissing the State Health Authority (SHA) as dysfunctional before proceeding to offer what appeared to be a Ksh. 1,000 note to an evidently ailing Kenyan citizen and directing her to seek healthcare services from a specific provider,” the COPAK statement dated June 10 read.
COPAK, however, explained that the act of the Governor offering KSh. 1,000 to a citizen is generous and compassionate; it also paints a bad picture of the state of public healthcare services in Garissa.
Governor Nathif Jama Incident
In a viral video circulating online, the governor hands an ailing woman a KSh 1,000 note, instructing her to go to the doctor and seek immediate medical attention.
He further states that the resident should not expect to get services under the Social Health Authority framework.
“Go to the doctor and receive treatment immediately; there is nothing like SHA here; you will pay for everything,” Governor Nathif Jama stated.
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COPAK on Governor Nathif
According to COPAK, the governor’s KSh 1,000 aid was insufficient to cover healthcare needs adequately.
Further, the patient advocacy group emphasized that sustainable healthcare cannot rely on personal donations from leaders.
The viral video of the Governor, according to the advocacy group, reflects the systemic gaps in healthcare governance, infrastructure, and financing within the county health system.
In addition, the patient advocacy group has urged the county government to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services for all citizens.
Governor Nathif, as well as the County Government of Garissa, has been advised to benchmark against neighboring counties that effectively utilize SHA reimbursements and facility improvement financing.
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County Government of Garissa Proposed Reforms
The County Government of Garissa has been challenged to strengthen healthcare governance and accountability systems.
Additionally, Garissa has been requested by the advocacy group to improve health infrastructure across all levels and equip public facilities with the essential equipment.
Further, the county government should ensure there is adequate staffing and specialized personnel in the health facilities.
The County Government of Garissa has been called upon to leverage SHA opportunities to improve service delivery in public health care facilities.
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