Rédaction Africa Links 24 with MAGDALINE SAYA
Published on 2024-02-02 06:05:54
The Ministry of Health has extended an invitation to health unions to participate in the public forum where they will have the opportunity to submit their views on the draft Social Health Insurance draft Regulations.
The invitation, which was sent out in a letter signed by Adan Harakhe on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, requested the presence of representatives from various health unions, including but not limited to the Kenya Medical Practitioner, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), and Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO).
In the letter, the health sector unions were requested to nominate three individuals from their organization to attend a meeting in Nairobi and submit their written comments, views, or representations regarding the draft regulations.
This invitation is part of the Ministry’s efforts to conduct public participation on two sets of regulations; the Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations 2024 and the Social Health Insurance (Dispute Resolution Tribunal) Regulations 2024. These regulations are crucial as they will guide the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act 2023.
It is worth noting that the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 had been previously halted due to court orders. However, those orders have since been lifted, allowing for the process to move forward.
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha has called on all Kenyans to submit their views on the regulations, whether through written memoranda or by participating in physical or virtual public participation meetings.
One of the primary purposes of the Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations 2024 is to provide for the implementation of various funds, including the Primary Healthcare fund, Social Health Insurance Fund, emergency fund, chronic illness fund, and critical illness fund. These funds are intended to support the provision of comprehensive medical services to all Kenyans.
However, concerns have been raised by the healthcare professionals, particularly the doctors, who have threatened to go on strike if their medical insurance is not reinstated.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed fund, stating that it will not adequately meet their needs. Instead, they have called on the government to establish an enhanced medical cover for civil servants within the new Social Health Insurance Fund.
In conclusion, the opportunity for health unions to submit their views on the draft Social Health Insurance draft Regulations is a significant step toward ensuring that the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act 2023 is inclusive and representative of the needs of all stakeholders.
It is through robust public participation and engagement that the regulations can be refined to meet the diverse and complex needs of the healthcare sector in Kenya.
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