Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga believes Kenya should strengthen the Social Health Authority rather than return to the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund system. She points out that SHA needs improvements, mainly in reimbursement processes and reducing service disruptions. Wanga explains that critics who prefer the old system miss how SHA has greatly expanded healthcare access for many citizens.
Under the previous system, only about six percent of Homa Bay residents received medical treatment through insurance. That number jumped to forty percent with SHA implementation. The former system suffered from numerous false claims requiring parliamentary investigation. Wanga emphasizes fixing specific problems instead of abandoning the entire program. She notes that SHA already pays healthcare providers every two weeks, though older debts face payment delays.
Wanga recognizes that all new programs face challenges at first. She advocates addressing these issues directly through clear communication rather than scrapping the system completely. Her comments followed President William Ruto's statements supporting SHA during a church service at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu. Ruto acknowledged the program may require time to function perfectly but expressed confidence in its eventual success.
The President mentioned previous administrations attempted to establish Universal Health Care without succeeding. He stated firmly that current efforts will achieve better results. The SHA program aims to provide medical coverage for every Kenyan, regardless of their financial situation. Previously, health insurance remained available primarily to employed people or those who could afford payments. Both leaders maintain that despite current difficulties, the SHA represents important progress toward comprehensive healthcare for all Kenyans.
Under the previous system, only about six percent of Homa Bay residents received medical treatment through insurance. That number jumped to forty percent with SHA implementation. The former system suffered from numerous false claims requiring parliamentary investigation. Wanga emphasizes fixing specific problems instead of abandoning the entire program. She notes that SHA already pays healthcare providers every two weeks, though older debts face payment delays.
Wanga recognizes that all new programs face challenges at first. She advocates addressing these issues directly through clear communication rather than scrapping the system completely. Her comments followed President William Ruto's statements supporting SHA during a church service at Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu. Ruto acknowledged the program may require time to function perfectly but expressed confidence in its eventual success.
The President mentioned previous administrations attempted to establish Universal Health Care without succeeding. He stated firmly that current efforts will achieve better results. The SHA program aims to provide medical coverage for every Kenyan, regardless of their financial situation. Previously, health insurance remained available primarily to employed people or those who could afford payments. Both leaders maintain that despite current difficulties, the SHA represents important progress toward comprehensive healthcare for all Kenyans.
