Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has proposed the scrapping of medical insurance for Members of Parliament (MPs) and civil servants, recommending their enrollment into the Social Health Authority (SHA). According to Mandago, this move would help address the ongoing challenges associated with the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA.
Speaking during a church service at AIC Fellowship Annex in Eldoret on Sunday, Mandago argued that merging all government-sponsored health covers under SHA would enhance healthcare quality in Kenya. He further defended the proposal as a way to silence critics who have been advocating for the reversion to NHIF due to reported failures in the new system.
“Because a few leaders want to downplay what the government is doing with SHA, I have thought of a very radical decision—that we remove medical cover for all parliamentarians and civil servants and we all enroll for SHA,” Mandago stated.
The SHA transition has faced significant challenges, including system failures that have caused disruptions in access to medical services. Critics argue that the new scheme is yet to prove its efficiency, prompting discussions on whether NHIF should be reinstated. However, Mandago maintains that having MPs and civil servants under SHA would demonstrate confidence in the system and help improve its efficiency.
MPs currently enjoy a comprehensive medical scheme with benefits totaling Sh10.65 million annually. This includes inpatient coverage of Sh10 million, outpatient benefits worth Sh300,000, maternity coverage of Sh150,000, and dental and optical covers of Sh100,000 each. Additionally, the scheme extends to their immediate family members and includes a Sh100,000 funeral cover, along with provisions for treatment related to political instability, war, and terrorism-related incidents.
Mandago’s proposal could face resistance from legislators and civil servants accustomed to the current benefits. However, he pledged to continue supporting government efforts to streamline healthcare services and urged President William Ruto to remain steadfast in implementing SHA despite opposition.
The discussion surrounding SHA’s implementation remains a hot topic, and Mandago’s proposal could ignite further debate on the sustainability and inclusivity of Kenya’s healthcare system.
