County injects Sh80m more into healthcare programme

Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata (centre) joins a dance by residents of Kihumbu-ini ward in Gatanga sub-county when he distributed NHIF cards to those listed in the Kang'ata Care programme in January this year. [File, Standard]

The county government of Murang’a has injected an additional Sh80 million into a programme meant to enhance poor families’ access to health services.

Under the ongoing Kang’ata Care/NHIF programme, the local government plans to spend a total of Sh240 million to help those from poor backgrounds get quality health services.

In the first phase of the 2022/2023 financial year, the county assembly allocated Sh160 million to support at least 20,000 households with a projected population of 100,000 people.

In the past three days, the county government has validated the details of those to be supported by the health care programme following the additional Sh80 million by the assembly.

During the last Devolution Conference, the county was awarded for implementing the Kang’ata Care, which gives families of a deceased person Sh100,000 to help with burial preparations.

Deputy Governor Stephen Munania said the project is designed to support the less privileged to ensure they access treatment when they fall sick.

“This unique programme has helped persons with terminal diseases, the elderly, disabled persons, and orphaned children after a study revealed many were suffering due to lack of money to seek treatment in public or private facilities,” said Munania.

Registration of persons interested in the programme is conducted in polling centres.

“Details are being sought before one is listed in the Kang’ata Care/NHIF programme,” said Dr Fredrick Mbugua, the Health CEC.

Jane Nyambura, a resident of Kimorori ward, said she hoped the programme would cater for her treatment after she was involved in a road accident ten years ago.

“I need to be part of the Kang’ata Care programme as my children are unable to pay for my medication,” said Nyambura who is in her 60s.

James Mwaura, a resident of Kangari, said all those aged 70 and above should be listed in the health care programme.

“Majority of the elderly in tea growing areas frequently fall sick due to extreme cold weather conditions and would benefit greatly from the programme,” said Mwaura.