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{
"id": 1564840,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1564840/?format=api",
"text_counter": 219,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Hon. Aden Duale",
"speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Health",
"speaker": {
"id": 15,
"legal_name": "Aden Bare Duale",
"slug": "aden-duale"
},
"content": "Fund and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund. These funds ensure the full spectrum of healthcare is given attention from the point of prevention, promotion, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, from the onset, allow me to state that in terms of access under Social Health Authority (SHA), Kenyans can access free primary care by just registering as a member. To access benefits under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), one had to register and pay monthly premiums, leaving those who have not paid with no benefits for them. In this regard, accessibility of primary health care to all Kenyans who have registered will address up to 70 per cent of the health burden, under the universal provision of primary health care to ensure that in totality, we attain full universal health coverage. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, let me make it clear that from Level 2 to Level 4 of the primary health care, all that Kenyans need to do is register. It is free, you can walk to any dispensary, health centre, or sub-county hospital. As long as you are registered with SHA, the Government of Kenya, through a budgetary allocation, will pay for it. We are working around the clock. I am sure Members will ask me and I will answer. We are increasing the refill of Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to 100 per cent, so that Kenyans can go to these centres. Once they are treated, that facility will bill the Social Health Authority. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, allow me now to highlight on the specific benefits of the three funds as compared to NHIF, on various benefits categories provided under each fund. I wish start with the primary health care fund. In the primary health care fund, let me pick on the outpatient services. In relation to outpatient services, SHA focuses on preventive, promotive, curative care services and palliative care. Members are not limited and can access health services within the primary care network. There is no need to pre-select your health facility. You do not need to select. You can be in Kisumu, and the next day you are in Kakamega or Garissa and visit any health facility as long as it is registered with SHA. So, there is no need to pre-select health facility because the patients are free to go to any SHA- contracted facility when they fall ill, in any part of our country. Comprehensive services provided include health education, diagnosis, treatment, essential laboratory investigation, basic radiology and chronic disease management. Comparing this with the defunct NHIF, NHIF only focused on curative care. As I have said earlier, this now has changed. We care more about promotive, preventive and rehabilitative care. So, NHIF was only dealing with curative care. Access to services by the former defunct NHIF was limited to a specific choice of a facility, therefore, limiting the members from accessing services in case they fall sick when they are away from their selected facilities or facilities of their home counties, constituents or wards. Services were limited to four visits per card per year in particular facilities, and to basic services such as consultation, laboratory investigation and only minor surgeries. That is what was offered under the NHIF. Undoubtedly the Social Health Authority offers a broader range of outpatient services with a focus on comprehensive care, making it more valuable for managing chronic conditions and preventive care. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}