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Murang’a governor Irungu Kang’ata has revealed that he intends to source for a private insurance company to provide an enhanced medical cover for residents.

Kang’ata (pictured) said unlike the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), the newly created Social Hospital Insurance Fund (SHIF) does not have a provision for an enhanced scheme.

He said the move will ensure the beneficiaries of the ‘Kangata care’ program continue enjoying the medical services with additional benefits which are not provided for under the new medical scheme.

“The NHIF has a specialised medical cover and benefits package which have been abolished in the new scheme therefore we have no option other than to source for the same covers outside SHIF,” remarked Kang’ata.

He pointed out that under the Kang’ata care program, there is the last expense benefit which is not provided for under SHIF unless the county pays extra money for a benefits package.

Budgetary allocations

“The other option we have is to pay extra money for the special package which may not be sustainable due to the budgetary allocation for the health docket,” he added.

At the same time the governor said he is out to improve the primary health facilities in the area in a bid to reduce congestion at the level four and five facilities.

He further pointed out that under the new health program, a patient will only be admitted at these facilities only with a referral from level two and three facilities.

“Our level four and five facilities have been receiving a huge number of patients and a majority of the cases can be treated at the lower facilities,” he added.

He said the completion of Kenneth Matiba hospital in Makenji and the Kigumo level four facilities will be a big boost in the health care system in the county.

Health facilities

“We will be opening the Kenneth Matiba level five in two weeks’ time and the facility will serve the residents of lower Murang’a,” he said.

He said the county is targeting to construct 80 new dispensaries to bring to 200 the total number dispensaries in the area, pointing that this will ensure the locals have access to primary health care.

“This year, we have an allocation of Sh180 million for rehabilitation and construction of health facilities and an additional Sh300 million for the medicine and even though the money is not enough I will ensure it is prudently utilised,” he remarked.