WOTE: The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Mwanaisha Chidzuga, has called upon Makueni residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to tap into the benefits available when they seek treatment at hospitals. Chidzuga emphasized the importance of registration, encouraging residents to visit government health facilities, Huduma centres, or use their phones to register. Community Health Promoters (CHPs) have also been equipped with gadgets to facilitate registration at the grassroots level.

According to Kenya News Agency, Chidzuga reminded principal contributors to ensure they register their families, including spouses, children, and other dependents, to avoid missing treatment opportunities. She highlighted that registration with SHA eliminates the need for out-of-pocket payments, as the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) covers treatment costs. Chidzuga addressed this during a sensitization and registration event organized in collaboration with the Department of Health Makueni, SHA Makueni Branc
h, and the national government at Makueni Mother and Child Hospital in Wote town.

Chidzuga expressed concern about the low registration numbers, noting that only 10% of the county’s population of 1,000,000 had registered with SHA. She urged residents to support government efforts, emphasizing the collective responsibility for the program’s success. Highlighting the immediate benefits of SHA, she warned against delaying registration until illness strikes, contrasting SHA’s no-wait policy with NHIF’s 60-day maturation period.

Addressing past challenges faced by SHA, Chidzuga assured that improvements had been made, allowing many patients to receive services as evidenced at Makueni County Referral Hospital. She also mentioned the government’s release of funds to pay health facilities, enabling residents to seek treatment without financial hurdles. Additionally, she advised residents to choose health facilities that have contracts with SHA to avoid paying for services.

SHA Eastern Regional Manager Brian Mugamb
i confirmed the government’s release of Sh9 billion to settle debts, ensuring prompt reimbursement to health facilities. Mugambi revealed that 38 private hospitals and 37 mission hospitals have registered with SHA, offering residents access to treatment without issues.

Department of Health Chief Officer Dr. Stephen Ndolo stated that 242 health facilities are now registered with SHA, resolving earlier challenges and facilitating seamless service access for residents. He stressed the importance of registration to prevent missed medical attention.

Makueni County Commissioner Duncan Darusi announced plans for mass registration in collaboration with national and county governments and SHA, aiming to ensure widespread enrollment to maximize program benefits. Earlier, Chidzuga visited Deputy Governor Lucy Mulili, who praised the successful implementation of SHA and acknowledged the national government’s support for primary care levels 1, 2, and 3 hospitals.