Garissa Residents Urged to Register for Social Health Authority

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently called on the residents of Garissa to proactively register with the Social Health Authority (SHA). This crucial initiative aims to ensure that everyone can access essential medical services without facing financial barriers. Currently, only 150,468 Kenyans from Garissa have completed this registration, representing a mere 16.7% of the local population. Given these statistics, it becomes evident that a significant portion of the community remains unregistered and, consequently, at risk of being denied necessary healthcare.

During a free medical camp held in the heart of Garissa, Secretary Duale took the opportunity to set up registration desks, making it as straightforward as possible for residents to join the program. He expressed his unwavering support for the Universal Healthcare Program and urged Kenyans to disregard critics who oppose this invaluable medical cover. But why would some residents hesitate to register? Is it a lack of understanding, or perhaps misinformation that clouds their judgment?

Duale emphasized the financial advantages of the SHA, particularly in emergencies. He passionately stated, “If you take a mother to deliver at the Garissa Referral Hospital or even in private facilities and you are registered with SHA, you will pay absolutely nothing, while SHA will cover Shs 30,000.” He also mentioned that for ICU patients, SHA reimburses Sh28,000 each day and provides up to Sh550,000 per annum for individuals battling cancer. These figures speak volumes about the program’s benefits—one can only wonder why so many still refrain from enrolling.

Moreover, Duale condemned certain hospitals that mislead patients by claiming that the SHA system is dysfunctional due to internet issues. “Those facilities are lying. The internet is state-funded. If you’re told you need to pay cash, simply inform them that you don’t have the funds. Either they’ll assist you in registering for SHA or they’ll have to use it,” he urged, an appeal that underscores the essential role of honesty in healthcare.

In addition to advocating for registration, Duale also presided over the launch of the Health Facility Digitization Program. This initiative witnessed the digital transformation of Garissa’s public health facilities under the TaifaCare framework, which aims to broaden health access across the region. Picture this: how much simpler would navigating one’s medical history be if anything could be retrieved at your fingertips, all documented online? The newly established Health Information Exchange system is set to do just that. It will seamlessly connect patient and provider information, thereby ensuring continuity of care from anywhere in the country.

Collaboration was evident as the Ministry of Health, alongside the Garissa County Government, distributed 1,011 tablets designated for use in public health facilities. These tablets are equipped with specialized health applications that link to the TaifaCare platform, facilitating real-time data collection, patient referrals, and treatment tracking. Imagine the efficiency this could generate! The success of this initiative hinges not only on sophisticated technology but also on the active participation of community members.

Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, CEO of the SHA, echoed Duale’s sentiments, emphasizing that the SHA’s mission is straightforward: to ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of geographical or economic barriers, has access to health services without financial strain. “Today’s efforts in Garissa reflect our commitment to an equitable health system, and we remain diligent in reaching every community,” she asserted, providing a glimmer of hope for those who feel left behind.

Local leaders also attended the event, reinforcing this vital initiative. Among them were Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, MPs Dekow Mohamed (Township), Salah Yakub (Fafi), Sheikh Abdi (Ijara), Umulkheir Harun (nominated), Senator Abdul Haji, MoH Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth, and Garissa’s acting county commissioner, Sebastian Okiring. Their presence underscores a collective commitment to bettering healthcare access for all Kenyans, but unity is essential. How can we, as a community, strengthen this mission?

In conclusion, while the statistics reveal a pressing need for increased registration in the SHA, they also serve as a call to action. Each person’s effort counts; every registration is a step toward a healthier future for Garissa. As residents, would you allow potential healthcare access to slip through your fingers due to hesitation or misinformation? Together, we can create a robust health system where every citizen can thrive.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring