This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
Published on July 14, 2019, a column by Kaltum Guyo titled 'NHIF discrimination is what needs debating, not MPs' salaries' sparked a mixed reaction. While it contained some verifiable truths and radical proposals, it also had fallacious perceptions and tough calls.
The article was inspired by an unfortunate incident where a maid delivered at home and was denied services under the Linda Mama program due to a misunderstanding about her eligibility. The mother was required to pay out of pocket, despite the situation being an emergency that warrants treatment under the Constitution.
However, the facility was wrong in treating the mother the way it did. The writer should consider sharing the particulars of the incident with NHIF for action. The writer also made several other propositions that require setting the record straight, including the Sh500 cover.
Under the national scheme, SupaCover, with a monthly premium of Sh150-1,700, is a priority package with 12 distinct services. The writer's claim that the benefits package offers very little for a Sh500 cover is a clear lack of knowledge of the package.
Ms. Guyo belongs to the legal profession and must be aware of the requirements of the Employment Act 2007 that the government and other employers seek an enhanced cover for their employees by making available more funds as premiums. Close to 80 employers have sought such an enhanced cover.
We agree with her on several propositions, including the need to address poor funding and corruption in the healthcare sector, low-quality services, and customer care in public hospitals. NHIF is aware of these realities and is willing to address them.
However, the health insurance concept appears not well grounded in our people. Insurance is about pooling resources for risk management, which calls for a concerted effort to ring-fence against risk. Our situation calls for a change of ways and mindsets.
— Abukar Osman, NHIF senior assistant manager, Registration and Compliance, Southern Region
