After recent data showed that only 10 percent of Narok county residents had registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA), Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia is leading an aggressive campaign to ensure everyone registers.
Lotiatia has been moving from trading center to another with the top county security team and some heads of department sensitizing the residents on the importance of registering themselves with SHA.
Speaking at Lolonga trading center in Narok South Sub County, the commissioner observed that the county was lagging behind on the registration urging every citizen to register immediately so that they can benefit from free medical cover.
He reiterated that SHA has three categories of healthcare, that is; Primary Health Care, Secondary Health Care and Emergency Health Care, where all Kenyans regardless of their level of income and the nature of illness will benefit.
“As opposed to the former insurance that only benefited those with pay slips, SHA is inclusive of every citizen regardless of your status in the society. Everyone will be treated equally,” he said.
He urged residents who have not registered to visit the nearest health facilities where they will be assisted to register by the health workers.
“You can’t be treated in the hospital before you are registered. It is a very important exercise. Please let us urge our relatives and friends to register,” reiterated the commissioner, adding that the county targets to register about 1.5 million people.
He told off some leaders spreading fake information on the new health insurance saying the new policy is the best as it accommodates all people, who will contribute depending on their level of income.
“In the former insurance, a husband with more than one wife would select which of his wives to benefit from the scheme, but with the current one, every wife and children benefit,” he reiterated.
Lotiatia called on the residents to support government projects, wondering why some people would oppose everything the government is implementing despite the initiatives being profitable to the people.
By Ann Salaton