Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa has urged counties to take a leading role in the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) to ensure universal health coverage across the country.
Speaking at the close of a sensitisation workshop for County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) in Mombasa, the CS highlighted SHA as a solution to the ongoing challenge of inaccessible healthcare due to financial barriers.
Dr. Barasa further stressed the need for counties to prioritize public awareness, digitization, and adequate staffing. She also called for the establishment of SHA help desks in all health facilities to handle public inquiries as the October 1st rollout nears.
“SHA is a game-changer, and with your leadership, we can make quality healthcare accessible to every Kenyan,” she remarked.
The workshop is part of the Ministry of Health’s ongoing efforts to prepare counties for the full rollout of SHA services on October 1, 2024.
SHA will replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
All Kenyans will be required to register a fresh under the new health scheme that the government believes will help to enhance access to healthcare through the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
