Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and President
William Ruto at he funeral of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi in Kakamega
County/OPCS.President William Ruto has said the government will stand firm in ensuring quality healthcare is no longer a preserve of the rich but a right of all citizens.
Speaking in Kakamega County at the funeral of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi on Tuesday, Ruto once more appealed to Kenyans to register with Social Health Authority and be part of universal health coverage that promises equitable healthcare for all.
Ruto cited Kakamega County, saying it was unfortunate that
out of 1.8 million people, only 580,000 have registered with SHA.
He disclosed that the late Injendi's hospital bill was a whopping Sh9 million, which was paid by Parliament's insurance cover.
“We want the same for every Kenyan,” he said.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula asked Kenyans not to resist changes spearheaded by SHA to improve healthcare in the country.
“When you buy new shoes, the new pair will be uncomfortable
compared to the old pair, and you might think the old shoes are better yet the
new ones are the best,” he said.
He noted that a section of Kenyans are quick to say SHA is not working, yet they have not registered.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah said there is a lot of misinformation and disinformation about SHA that has misled many Kenyans.
He urged Kenyans to ignore the misleading information and register for SHA, saying healthcare is personal.
“Do not listen to disinformation and misinformation being perpetuated. Focus on your health because when your health fails, it is an individual and personal matter,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, who asked Kenyans not to be misled by false reports about SHA.
Cheruiyot pointed out that Sh19 billion has been used to pay hospital bills for the less vulnerable since SHA came into force.
“Do not be misled. Register and find out for yourself if it will pay for you or not,” he said.
