Making the National Health Insurance Fund cover mandatory for all Kenyans is a noble initiative because it will help people get access to affordable, quality healthcare.
It will also help to achieve a great milestone in the Universal Health Coverage goal.
When the EduAfya cover was rolled out, it was seen as a game-changer for primary school pupils and those in secondary schools. It relieved parents of the costly health bills as it catered for outpatient and inpatient treatment.
Those who were involved in coming up with the policy framework should now look into tertiary institutions because some students do not understand its importance.
Universities and colleges have encouraged students to take the NHIF cover to get affordable healthcare.
However, not all students can pay for the monthly contribution and thus they self-medicate and buy low-cost drugs in local drugstores.
Some institutions of higher learning have made it mandatory for their students to take NHIF cover to access health services in the institutions but the quality offered is questionable hence the lack of interest.
In case of delayed payment, these institutions decline to treat students regardless of whether the delay is only one day hence demoralising those who have taken the cover.
In other cases, these students depend on their parents and guardians for money to cater for their basic needs, hence those who cannot afford to pay are left out.
When students get the money, it does not cross their mind that the monthly contribution needs to be made, making it irregular, thus accruing penalties.
Financial literacy and budgeting need to be taught and especially students need to understand the benefits that come with the cover when it comes to medical bills.
Being more reactive rather than proactive when dealing with health matters can make or break a person especially when other things have to be looked
A flexible policy should be formulated to cater for young people so as it is not viewed as a waste of resources but as a strategy in ensuring that good health care services are provided and the cover can help the students.
The government can partner with these institutions, together with the NHIF, to offer subsidies to students and ensure inclusivity and people can pay for the cover, leading to a culture where the value of having a health policy comes first.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
