Kenyans will now enjoy some essential health benefits irrespective of their premium payment status under the new Social Health Authority.
This initiative, aimed at promoting health equity, is set to revolutionize access to critical services and resources for millions of Kenyans, ensuring that no one is left out in the quest to make quality healthcare and support accessible to all.
One of the key benefits of the Social Health Authority (SHA) includes the emergency, chronic, and critical illness fund, which aims to enhance access to urgent medical care.
The Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund aims to ensure that all Kenyans have access to essential healthcare services.
It will support access to quality emergency services and critical care, focusing on chronic and critical illnesses.
About the Emergency, Chronic Critical Illness Fund
The fund also finances medical care for these conditions, making treatments more accessible.
Additionally, it covers payments to healthcare providers and facilities based on prescribed tariffs, ensuring fair compensation for emergency services and supporting the sustainability of essential healthcare.
Under the emergency benefits, SHA offers a comprehensive package of ambulance evacuation services.
This includes transporting patients from the incident site to the nearest facility equipped with an Accident & Emergency (A&E) center, as well as transferring patients who require ongoing clinical care.
Also Read: SHA Lists Contracted Hospitals for Cancer Treatment & Dialysis; How to Check
All transfers and evacuations will be managed through a National Ambulance Call Center, ensuring timely and coordinated responses to emergencies across the country.
Free packages for Kenyans Under SHA
Another free package under the Emergency and Critical Illness Fund is the Accident and Emergency Services.
This coverage includes resuscitation and stabilization for various conditions, such as cardiac and pulmonary arrest, major trauma (including severe burns, head injuries, severe wounds, and multiple fractures), seizures, and shock states (hemorrhagic, septic, or dehydration).
Additional covered conditions encompass altered levels of consciousness (such as unconsciousness or confusion), severe respiratory distress, and chest pain (including acute coronary syndrome or pulmonary embolism).
The package also provides coverage for acute cerebrovascular accidents (strokes), anti-snake venom and anti-rabies treatments.
Also Read: What Salaried Kenyans Will Contribute Monthly and Annually to SHA
Other Packages Catered For
Resuscitation and stabilization in life threatening conditions such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HDU) is also guaranteed and is accessible to all Kenyans, regardless of registration or premium payment status.
Under this package, there is care for up to a maximum of 24 hours after which the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) benefits are activated for paid-up members.
“SHA is an enhancement of NHIF. We have universal coverage and anyone in an accident will be able to receive emergency services and treatments whether they are registered or not, within the first 24 hours,” Elijah Wachira, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SHA said earlier.
Antiretrovirals (ARVs), antimalarials, anti-Tuberculosis (TBs), and associated tests, family planning commodities, and KEPI vaccines will be provided at public facilities and faith-based & private facilities that report to the health information system.
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