Terminally ill patients to be insured, Nyong’o pledges

By Lucianne Limo

There is hope for patients suffering from terminal illnesses as they will soon access medical insurance.

Yesterday, Medical Services Minister Anyang’ Nyong’o said the Government will from next year compel medical insurance companies to provide cover to them.

"We will soon compel insurance companies not to exclude coverage of terminal ailments," he said.

The minister said with the rising cost of medical care, many patients suffering from terminal illnesses could not afford quality healthcare.

Currently, only a few insurance companies insure patients suffering from illnesses like cancer, HIV and Aids and diabetes.

Best hospitals

Prof Nyong’o spoke at Afya House during the awards ceremony for the best hospitals.

Coast General Hospital emerged the best overall followed by Kabarnet District Hospital, Kitale and Nyeri General hospitals.

The Government’s policy is to use healthcare insurance to cover approximately 13.5 million adult Kenyans and their dependants.

According to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), Kenyans are among the least health insured.

NHIF Executive Director Richard Kerich said many are exposed during emergencies and conditions that incur high bills.