The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has assured Kenyans that the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) will operate with transparency and accountability.
Speaking during a TV interview on Wednesday, November 27, Atwoli underscored that the newly implemented health fund structure will prevent corruption and looting of funds.
According to Atwoli, it will be difficult for individuals to manipulate the funds for personal gain.
“With three segments of funds that have been set under SHA, there will be no financial malpractices, people will have no access to manoeuvre these funds for their own benefits,” Atwoli said.
SHA consolidates three funds namely, the Social Health Insurance Fund, the Primary Health Care Fund, and the Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.
He further criticized those opposing the newly imposed Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.
He alleged that they were among the beneficiaries of the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)
“And the people who are now fighting SHA, are the people who used to get free money from NHIF. People who had briefcase clinics and the hospitals,” Atwoli said.
Atwoli called on Kenyans to register en masse for SHA, terming it as the country’s best healthcare fund to date.
He highlighted its potential to improve access to affordable and quality healthcare for all citizens.
“This is the best fund for our people, starting from the Social Health Insurance Fund, primary health care fund, emergency chronic and critical illness fund,” he said.
Atwoli’s optimistic remarks come against the backdrop of reports that the newly introduced health insurance scheme was not working.
The government has insisted that it is working and they will make it better with time.
