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Nairobi Women’s Representative Esther Passaris has made a plea to President William Ruto, urging him to consider releasing detained patients and bodies from referral hospitals and mortuaries this Christmas.

Passaris insists that Christmas is a time for families to be reunited, and not burdened by medical debts.

Passaris Plea

“Your Excellency William Ruto, As Christmas approaches, I humbly urge you to consider releasing detained patients and bodies from our referral hospitals and mortuaries. Christmas is a time for families to be reunited, not burdened by medical debt,” she stated

In her statement, she addressed the financial implications of debt waivers and expressed her belief that the judiciary will recognize the vital role the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) plays in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Passaris also committed to sharing innovative financial solutions from the World Health Summit to help bridge the funding gap for UHC.

“Let’s extend the spirit of the season to those who need a respite after enduring hospitalization. Realizing our nation’s vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) requires bold action. While I understand the financial implications of debt waivers, I believe Kenya’s judiciary will recognize the vital role SHIF plays in achieving UHC. I am committed to sharing innovative financial solutions from WorldHealthSmt to help bridge the UHC funding gap,” she stated.

Your Excellency @WilliamsRuto,
As Christmas approaches, I humbly urge you to consider releasing detained patients and bodies from our referral hospitals and mortuaries. Christmas is a time for families to be reunited, not burdened by medical debt. Let’s extend the spirit of the… pic.twitter.com/wVfnlyaeI6

— Esther Muthoni Passaris (@EstherPassaris) December 23, 2023

In November, the government suffered a major setback after a judge suspended further implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023 as introduced by the Ministry of Health until February 2024.

In a brief ruling, Justice Chacha Mwita of the Milimani High Court temporarily stopped the State from enforcing three new funds gazetted by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha pending determination of a case lodged in court by activist Joseph Enock.

 Ruto on Thursday, October 19, signed into law four healthcare bills passed by Parliament recently.

The bills enacted into law are the Social Health Insurance Bill, Primary Health Care Bill, Facility Improvement Financing Bill, and Digital Health Bill.

Speaking during a brief ceremony hosted at State House Nairobi, President Ruto affirmed that the Social Insurance Act, 2023 would break down financial barriers to healthcare and address challenges faced by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

The Act creates the Social Health Authority, replacing NHIF. Through three new funds, including the Primary Healthcare Fund and Social Health Insurance Fund, President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration has promised to provide comprehensive coverage for all Kenyans.

On the other hand, the Primary Healthcare Act, 2023 focuses on preventive and primary healthcare services to address healthcare imbalances in Kenya.