President William Ruto has announced that the government will pay the Social Health Authority (SHA) contribution for 1.5 million Kenyans.
Speaking on September 2, Ruto said the national government will ensure 1.5 million Kenyans who cannot afford to pay for SHA are registered and their contribution paid for from the week beginning on September 8th.
From next week, we are going to pay for the 1.5 million Kenyans who have no capacity to pay. We will pay for them.
Ruto stated that he will also hold a meeting with Governors and Members of Parliament (MPs) to provide additional support to those in need.
He said the county governments can support an additional 1 million Kenyans, while the MPs also have the capacity to support more.
I am going to have a meeting with MPs and Governors next week to pay for those who cannot pay for themselves in their constituencies. I am going to pay for 1.5 million Kenyans as a national government. I want governors to pay for another 1 million. Every MP had the money they could use to pay for the poor people in their constituency.
Ruto’s Message to Leaders About SHA
Ruto asked all leaders to be serious and deliberate while handling the SHA.
He stated that the administration has been sending huge amounts for SHA claims to hospitals.
“We must be deliberate. Right now, some hospitals are shocked by the amount we send to them for treating Kenyans,” Ruto said.
Also Read: Has the SHA System Been Hacked?
Contributing Based on Income
Additionally, Ruto said Kenyans must be allowed to pay SHA in accordance with their income.
He revealed that he is paying Ksh40,000 compared to Ksh1,000 under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The President said the government has enough funds to pay for Kenyans who cannot afford the cover.
We now have the money to pay for those who cannot pay the Ksh300 because some of us are paying more.
Also Read: SHA Shortlists Candidates for Top Positions [FULL LIST]
Changes in the Health Sector
Ruto emphasized that things have changed in the health sector, regardless of noise from a section of Kenyans.
He urged Kenyans to register for the SHA, stating that they will get free treatment for outpatient and the government will pay Ksh40,000 for inpatient.
“People will not sell their property to pay a hospital bill. That is why we want people to register at SHA. You should register to get free treatment for outpatients. For inpatients, we will pay SHA for the unable ones and Ksh40,000 for those who can afford,” he added.
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