Wetang'ula wants CDF offices utilised for SHIF registration

By Peter Ochieng

National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang'ula wants National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) offices utilised for registration of the new Social Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

The Speaker said that the offices, funded by taxpayers, are public resources that should be leveraged to support the registration process, and advance the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program.

Wetang'ula made the remarks during a Kamukunji in Parliament, called to discuss the challenges facing the implementation of UHC.

"Laders and relevant agencies should collaborate in ensuring Kenyans register for the new medical scheme that is being rolled out by the government," said the Speaker.

The meeting was attended by Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo Barasa, Principal Secretaries Harry Kimtai (Medical Services) and Mary Muthoni (Public Health), alongside other Ministry of Health officials.

They briefed the legislatures on the progress of the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHIF, which commenced in October.

Some of the issues raised by MPs include the data on the number of Kenyans who lost their lives during the transition process.

Others demanded clarity on the Means Testing Instrument (MTI), so that they can explain it better to their constituents.

MTI is the tool used by the government to determine the amount each Kenyan is expected to pay each month.

Wetang'ula said the Kamkunji was Parliaments response to concerns raised by the electorate over the challenges, experienced during the transition from NHIF to Social Health Authority.

Senate Speaker Amason Jeffa Kingi was also present.