The National Government in conjunction with the County Government of Tharaka Nithi has rolled out the Social Health Authority at the Picnic Grounds in Chuka.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) which seeks to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) was launched earlier today in a meeting attended by the Deputy Governor of Tharaka Nithi County Wilson Nyaga Muisrael, the County Commissioner David Gitonga, together with the other leaders from the county, and Health officials from both the National Government and County Government.
In his speech, Deputy Governor Wilson Nyaga Muisraeli mentioned that the Social Health Authority is the key to attaining Universal Health Care in the country.
The Deputy Governor further mentioned that the adoption of the Social Health Authority will ensure equitable provision of healthcare services and efficient service delivery in Level One and Two hospital facilities within the county.
In his conclusion, the Deputy Governor reiterated that the County Government will support the Social Health Authority to improve healthcare services within the County.
“Social Health Authority is a strategic choice which will deliver healthcare services to more of the population through extraordinary service delivery in our level two and three facilities,” he said.
County Commissioner David Gitonga addressed the importance of healthcare and healthcare systems within the Country and urged residents to register with the Social Health Authority to get free healthcare through the Primary Healthcare system.
Director of Legal Services for the Social Health Authority, Miss Catherine Mungania in her address mentioned that the Social Health Authority aimed to ensure that all Kenyans have access to healthcare as compared to NHIF which was unable to cover all Kenyans.
Urging residents to register with the Social Health Authority, Miss Mungania mentioned that the Social Health Authority is a much more enhanced funding model that will bring healthcare services to all Kenyans.
“We are calling upon everyone to register and to understand that the Social Health Authority is a platform that is more enhanced than what was there before,” she advised.
The Speaker of Tharaka Nithi County Assembly, John Mbabu pledged that the County Assembly will support the launch and implementation of the Social Health Authority within the county.
He further noted that the Assembly had supported the Facility Improving Financing bill.
“On behalf of the members of the County Assembly of Tharaka Nithi, we are ready and willing to work with the Community Health Promoters and the National Administration to make sure that everyone in this county is registered in the Social Health Authority,” he mentioned.
According to the Public Health and Sanitation Department, Tharaka Nithi County is at the forefront of implementing the Social Health Authority with Community Health Promoters being urged to spread awareness of the new insurance model.
The County has an extensive Healthcare system that consists of ninety-six dispensaries, three Level Four Hospitals, and one Level Five Hospital.
