Residents from Webuye East and Webuye West have voiced their frustrations with the new Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, citing its failure to provide timely and adequate treatment. During the launch of the newly reopened Misikhu Mission Hospital, which had been closed for 15 years due to poor management, elderly residents shared their struggles in accessing medical services under the new scheme.
Nancy Nasimiyu, a 78-year-old who registered for SHA, revealed her ongoing struggles to get treatment for a painful leg despite her children consistently remitting funds allocated to her. “I was registered with SHA, and my children have been remitting the funds monthly since I joined. However, when I went to Webuye County Hospital, I was told the scheme couldn’t help due to some circumstances I didn’t understand. To this day, I have not been treated until I received free medication today at Misikhu Mission Hospital,” Nasimiyu shared.
For other elderly members, the premiums set under the scheme are unaffordable. Mama Selina Murunga, 69, a widow and caretaker for three orphans, expressed frustration over the scheme’s unaffordable premiums, which are far beyond her means. “I was allocated 1,000 shillings per month, which I cannot afford. Even if it were 100 shillings, I wouldn’t have it. Where would I get it from? I am a widow and have three orphans to care for,” she lamented.
Many have questioned whether the issue lies in inaccurate registration or deliberate government oversight, which they believe is preventing them from receiving the healthcare they were promised.
Both the residents and local leaders are now urging the government to address the challenges of the SHA scheme or consider reverting to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which they feel was more effective.
The sentiments of the elderly were echoed by Rev. Father Remy Sialo, Parish Priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Misikhu Parish. He expressed his concerns over the government’s failure to remit SHA funds to hospitals, a situation that has severely impacted the operations of mission and privately owned hospitals. “Many mission and private hospitals relied heavily on NHIF, but now, with the transition to SHA and delayed payments, hospitals are facing significant challenges in providing care to patients. I appeal to the government to speed up the process of remitting these funds,” said Father Remy.
The reopening of Misikhu Mission Hospital offers a glimmer of hope to residents, particularly the elderly, who previously faced long travel times to other healthcare facilities such as Webuye County and Lugulu Mission Hospitals. The hospital’s revival is not only seen as an opportunity to ease the burden on local hospitals but also as a key step in improving the healthcare infrastructure in the area.
Dr. Joseph Musungu, chair of the parish council, called on community leaders and well-wishers to support the hospital, ensuring its sustainability and preventing its collapse once again. “We are committed to ensuring the hospital remains operational and grows into a facility capable of offering comprehensive medical services,” Dr. Musungu affirmed.
In its efforts to improve healthcare access, the hospital’s board, under the leadership of Mrs. Eveline Wekesa, has set a goal to elevate the facility to Level 5 status in the coming years. As part of its reopening, the hospital provided free medical services to the public on its first day of operations, offering much-needed relief to the community.
The revival of Misikhu Mission Hospital marks a significant milestone in addressing the healthcare needs of the local population, offering job opportunities, and contributing to the economic growth of the Misikhu market. However, for the SHA scheme to truly succeed, residents hope the government will act quickly to address the shortcomings and make quality healthcare accessible to all.
