This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Published on July 11, 2020, Kenyan insurers agreed to cover coronavirus patients after consulting their regulator.
Acting Health Director-General Patrick Amoth revealed that the daily treatment of an asymptomatic patient costs an average of Sh21,000, while those with mild symptoms pay Sh21,400.
Severe Covid-19 patients who require supplemental oxygen fork out Sh51,000, while critically ill patients who need ICU or ventilators pay an average of Sh71,000.
According to Dr. Amoth, most Kenyan coronavirus cases are asymptomatic, meaning most patients pay an average of Sh21,300 for treatment a day.
One can only be declared virus-free after two weeks, which means treatment for Covid-19 in the 14 days costs Sh298,000 to Sh300,000.
Dr. Amoth attributed the high cost of treatment to the protective gear used by medical staff, which costs Sh10,000 per session and is discarded every time a doctor leaves a patient.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe urged Kenyans to observe the guidelines given by the government, emphasizing that the opening of the country does not mean the coronavirus curve has been flattened.
