Bungoma County’s Health Chief Officer, Dr. Magrina Mayama, has called on residents to continue registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure they have access to vital healthcare services.
Addressing the media in her office, Dr. Mayama shared that the county has successfully enrolled 447,000 residents under the program, with a goal of registering 300,000 individuals per month. However, the target has not yet been fully met, and Dr. Mayama encouraged more residents to sign up.
The Social Health Authority program offers a wide range of benefits, particularly in-patient services, including maternal care and ambulance services for referred patients. These services have positively impacted local healthcare facilities, contributing to increased revenue collection. One notable example cited was Cheptais Level 4 Hospital, which has seen significant growth due to the program.
Additionally, Dr. Mayama revealed that the county has formally requested SHA to extend coverage to patients living near Level 4 and 5 facilities, allowing them to access care without needing a referral. The move aims to reduce the burden on patients who currently have to travel long distances to receive treatment.
“We have written to the authority to allow us to treat patients at Level 2 facilities under Level 4 and 5, which will ease the strain on those having to travel far for services,” said Dr. Mayama.
She also expressed gratitude for the collaboration with local media in spreading awareness about the registration process, emphasizing that many residents have already signed up. Dr. Mayama urged the community to continue the push to get more people registered, as the health program continues to expand and improve healthcare access across the region.
