Government officials warn politicians to stop misleading Kenyans about SHA

From left Lake Basin Development Authority Managing Director Wyliffe Ochiaga, Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Board Member Hesbon Omollo and other leaders during a prayer service at Oneno Nam SDA Church in Karachuonyo Constituency. Politics of Social Health (SHA) has taken a new twist after government officials told Nyanza residents to shun politicians who are spreading false messages against the medical cover [James Omoro, Standard].

Government officials have told Nyanza residents to shun politicians who are spreading false messages against the new model of medical cover Social Health Authority (SHA).

SHA registration has elicited a heated debate in Kenya in the recent past in which many politicians have been criticising the government for transiting from the defunct National Social Insurance Fund (NHIF).

The politicians have been arguing that SHA it is inefficient and expensive with the information discouraging a number of Kenyans from registering for SHA.

The Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency Chairman Odoyo Owidi and Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Board Member Hesbon Omollo said it was wrong to spread falsehood against SHA.

Speaking during a fundraiser in aid of construction at Oneno Nam SDA Church in Karachuonyo Constituency, Omollo said SHA is meant to provide health solutions to all Kenyans.

He told residents to register for the medical insurance.

"I am urging the people of this region to register for SHA. This is a good programme that guarantees Kenyans opportunity for affordable medical care," Omollo said.

Owidi expressed concerns that some politicians were taking advantage of hitches in SHA implementation to get political mileage. Owidi said health services should not be conflated with politics.

He said such politicians were misleading Kenyans by discrediting the Kenya Kwanza Government.

"There are people who keep telling Kenyans that SHA is not working. Their main aim is to taint the image of President Ruto's government to get political advantage. They are wrong," Owidi said.

Owidi explained that SHA is more beneficial than the defunct NHIF.

He said SHA will enable Kenyans from with low income to get medical care.

"In NHIF people used to contribute a minimum of Sh500 yet it is only Sh300 in the SHA. SHA also covers chronic and complicated diseases which the NHIF could not cover," Owidi said.

He said the SHA will prevent cases of theft which were witnessed in the NHIF.

"SHA has clear records which ensure minimal theft to enable Kenyans to get medical care whenever they are sick. This scheme enables the poor to benefit from contributions of the rich because the rich contribute more money," Owidi said.

Owidi said SHA will cushion families from fundraisers held for settling medical bills.