Kitui Set to Reform Health Sector Through Universal Health Insurance Cover

By Barrack Muli/Munyasya Musya Kitui Governor’s Press

The Kitui County Health Insurance Cover (K-CHIC) set for launch on 21st this month is designed to revolutionize the health sector in the county and ensure all people have access to high quality health services, Governor Ngilu has said. Addressing health workers drawn from the entire county during a sensitization meeting at KEFRI in Kitui town today,  the Governor said that healthcare was a priority development agenda for the county and urged them to support the project by changing their work attitudes and practices which may hinder success of the health plan.“I decided to prioritize health sector in my agenda because all development is hugely dependent on the health of our people” she said.

Ngilu said that her government would continue providing greater financial and moral support to health care adding that the insurance cover will relieve residents of colossal hospital debts that often lead to detention of patients in public and private hospitals.“My government allocated 30% of the annual budget to health in the 2018/19FY. This will guarantee access to specialized treatment by all, purchase ambulances for the 40 wards and ensure a workable, sustainable and practical cover for our people. This is doable” said Ngilu. The insurance covers referrals within the county, mortuary services for up to 7 days, ambulance services within the county, inpatient bills up to 24 hours after the discharge date, curative, promotive, preventive, rehabilitative and specialized services within the county in all public health facilities.

She said the county government would embark on a massive infrastructure, equipment and medical supplies to ensure that residents find the primary health services they require at the nearest health facility. Each principal member will be required to pay sh.1000 annually to cover the entire household. Any dependent wishing to obtain their own card separate from the principal’s would be required to pay sh.200 while replacement for a lost card would cost Ksh.500.