President William Ruto has announced that the contribution structure of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will be reviewed to ease the medical burden on Kenyans.
Speaking on Thursday, 20th October during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens, President Ruto said the new model will pay focus on households rather than individuals.
“In the past 10 years, 12 million Kenyans have joined the fund. The challenge, however, is that the NHIF is an occupational scheme for salaried people on payroll in the public and private sectors and not the social insurance scheme it ought to be,” said Ruto
He said his administration was keen on ensuring all Kenyans have access to affordable and quality medical care.
He said that the national government will partner with counties to mainstream community health workers and make them the foundation of the country’s healthcare.
“In partnership with county governments, we will mainstream community health workers and make them the foundation of our healthcare system,” he said.
“Health lies at the core of our development. We must revitalise primary healthcare, putting more attention on preventive and promotive strategies.”
The Head of State further assured of the government’s commitment to addressing challenges facing the healthcare sector in the country.
“We are particularly committed to the professional development of health workers. I take this opportunity to assure health workers that we have listened to them and we will propose ways, in collaboration with county governments, of resolving their outstanding issues,” he said.
