NHIF gives a ray of hope to all citizens

 It is imperative to make universal health care mandatory in order to provide health care and financial protection to all citizens. Today, there are 1,400 facilities across the country providing NHIF outpatient services. Medical care is costly.

 

However, the good news is that medical cover for expectant mothers has been raised up to 300 per cent and the monthly minimum contribution remains at Sh500. We need to laud the current reforms at NHIF, which is the biggest health insurer in Kenya.

 

The insurance fund has given a ray of hope to the poor but millions still struggle to pay for hospital bills because they have not signed up due to lack of awareness or ignorance. Many Kenyans still rely on fundraisers to settle hospital bills in an era when affordable health insurance has been expanded even to the informal sector.

 

The fund has gone an extra mile to introduce a package for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. The fund also pays for in - patient services and surgeries. Lawmakers and stakeholders should work out strategies to ensure universal health care is realised in Kenya in order to realise sustainable development goal that promotes good health and human well being.