Murang'a free NHIF kitty to benefit 30,000 residents

@Alicewangechi

Murang’a county government will pilot a free NHIF kitty to cover at least 30,000 households by year-end.

Governor Irungu Kang’ata has said the low number of residents that have medical insurance has made it impossible for them to access quality health care.

Kang’ata said the kitty will consume about Sh180 million.

The governor spoke during a visit to Murang’a County Referral Hospital on Thursday

He said health workers had raised concerns over the high number of patients who were requesting a waiver of their bills after recuperating.

The workers said the hospital waived Sh8.9 million from January to July, presenting a huge burden to the facility.

“We get patients from some very needy backgrounds who require assistance but even as we waive their bills, we first ensure they enrol for NHIF,” Susan Njagi, a medical social worker said.

Njagi urged elected leaders to help their electorate to acquire NHIF cards.

With the kitty, the governor said, such issues will end and ease the delivery of health services.

The NHIF card will be improved to include optical and dental services.

Kang’ata said once the assembly officially opens, he will present Fredrick Mbugua's name for the Health executive position.

“Mbugua has worked at the facility for over 22 years. He is the head of gynaecology, and will help transform the hospital because he knows the challenges,” he said.

Kang’ata found out that patients shared beds in some wards and the provision of food to patients has been inconsistent.

Health workers said they are demoralised treating hungry patients who often cry out for help despite their inability to help them.

They said the hospital that was established in the 1950s faces a huge burden of chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes.

Some of the patients then develop related illnesses such as cardiac issues that the facility is not facilitated to handle.

“We need to provide specialised health care and have proper diagnostic equipment to serve the people of Murang’a. We are highly trained professionals but are limited by the facilities,” a doctor said.

“We have previously written to the county government detailing what is needed.”

The workers also complained about the shortage of ambulances that lack fuel, shortage of staffers and non-pharmaceutical materials including surgical and non-surgical gloves.

They urged the governor to continue interacting with them and conducting impromptu visits to keep them on their toes.

The governor ordered the hospital’s management to ensure there is adequate provision of food.

He pledged to ensure the acute shortage of milk in the hospital is mitigated.

Kanga'ata said the stalled cancer centre started by his predecessor Mwangi wa Iria will be redesigned and converted into more wards and a modern casualty as the current one is too congested.

“The hospital that has 260 in-patient beds will undergo a face-lift that will enable it to serve residents better,” he said.

The hospital attends to about 800 outpatients daily and has 600 health workers.

The governor said he plans to clear debts of up to Sh35 million owed by the county government to Kenya Medical Supplies Agency to ensure drugs are supplied to all health facilities.

Edited by Kiilu Damaris