Residents of Sambu Central were given a rare opportunity to attend a sensitization forum and learn about the operations of the new health services offered through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). The forum aimed to educate the community about the benefits of enrolling in SHIF, a medical scheme that promises to offer comprehensive health coverage.
Mrs. Eunice Chumo, an official with AMPATH and the lead officer in Webuye West Constituency for SHIF, was the key speaker at the forum. She emphasized the importance of enrolling in SHIF, calling it a crucial step for all Kenyans to secure better healthcare. According to Mrs. Chumo, the system allows patients to receive emergency treatment before being asked about the payment method, unlike NHIF, where verification is required before treatment. Additionally, patients can now receive care from any facility, offering more flexibility than before when they had to choose a designated provider.
“There are many advantages with SHIF. In case of an emergency, you get treatment first, before anything else. You can also access treatment for chronic diseases, which was not the case before,” Mrs. Chumo explained. “Let’s come out in large numbers and get registered for our own benefit.”
She also highlighted that SHIF allows polygamous men to enroll all their wives, ensuring that families with multiple spouses can benefit from the health cover, alleviating challenges faced by such families in the past.
However, some residents voiced concerns regarding the cost of the SHIF coverage. One resident, a widow and peasant farmer, expressed frustration over the increased amount she was being asked to pay, saying, “I used to pay 500 shillings under the NHIF system, and it was difficult. Now, I’ve been allocated 1,030 shillings. How will I manage this? When I provided my information, I expected a lower amount, maybe 300 shillings, as I am just a peasant farmer and a widow.”
Others in the community echoed similar concerns, calling for the government to review the allocation amounts, especially for vulnerable groups like farmers and widows. They also appealed for more civic education to help them understand the registration process better.
In response, Mrs. Chumo urged residents to provide accurate information during registration. She assured them that the amounts allocated to individuals are based on the details they provide. By offering correct information, the community could ensure they are charged appropriately for the services.
The forum concluded with Mrs. Chumo encouraging all residents to prioritize their health by enrolling in SHIF and ensuring they have the coverage they need to access essential healthcare services.
