Vihiga governor Moses Akaranga has urged area residents to register for National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in order to improve their healthcare. Akaranga said the NHIF scheme is the best medical cover that cushions vulnerable groups from numerous health problems that can be prevented once enlisted as a member. “Health services will be favourable if one enrols as a member and contributes monthly payments to cater for the medical services,” said Akaranga.
He noted that most residents had not registered as members and were having difficulties paying their hospital bills by organizing mini-funds drives that in most cases cannot cater for remedial services for the patients.
He added that Vihiga County Referral Hospital had received five dialysis machines and there was no need to travel to Kenyatta National Hospital for dialysis. “We have managed to send one machine to Emuhaya sub-county hospital and next financial year we will take another one to Hamisi sub-county hospital to help our people and reduce congestion at the referral hospital,” said Akaranga.
He said dialysis among patients is costing Kshs. 96,000 per month without NHIF Card but a mere Kshs. 500 if you own one. The Governor was speaking at County’s boardroom in Mbale town during the swearing in of Johnson Naviava as County Public Service Board (CPSB) member and Linus Simwa as Chairman of County Referral Health Management board.
Naviava who has been a long-serving teacher and served as principal in various schools replaced Bigood Asienwa who is vying for Member of Parliament seat in Emuhaya Sub County. “This is a tough job and you must follow the law in employing, disciplining and dismissing workers together with your team in the county government,” Akaranga advised Naviava who was confirmed as a member of CPSB.
He said more positions will soon be advertised because most employees had gone into politics and appealed to the locals to apply for those plum positions.