The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has expressed skepticism about the sustainability of the proposed Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) following the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023.
Olekina argues that the SHIF, intended to replace the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), will impose additional tax burdens on Kenyans while failing to deliver adequate healthcare services.
During a panel discussion on Citizen TV, the senator suggested that the SHIF would be susceptible to corruption and anticipates protracted legal battles. He raised concerns about vested interests influencing the legislation, with potential contracts awarded to companies associated with high-ranking politicians.
Olekina warned, “We are behaving as if we live in a first world forgetting that we live in a dilapidated, corrupt environment in which we are led by sycophants. This will collapse, there will be a myriad of cases, people filing lawsuits on a daily basis.”
In contrast, National Assembly Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro defended the scheme, emphasizing its goal of equalizing healthcare services. He stated, “The intention of this whole thing is to make sure that every person is covered. We need to be our brother’s keepers.”
Osoro acknowledged the challenge of poorly equipped hospitals potentially hindering the scheme’s effectiveness.
The SHIF mandates a 2.75% monthly contribution from salaried employees and a minimum contribution of Ksh.300 from unsalaried Kenyans. The implementation of the Act faced legal hurdles, with the High Court initially halting it until the Court of Appeal lifted the orders on January 19.
The Court of Appeal emphasized the importance of addressing the “real and present danger” to the health rights of citizens resulting from the suspension.
