Ministry Folds EduAfya, Registers Learners Under Social Health Authority (SHA) Scheme

Ministry Folds EduAfya, Registers Learners Under Social Health Authority (SHA) Scheme.

The Ministry of Health has launched a new health scheme under the Social Health Authority (SHA), registering learners from all educational levels as dependents.

Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimutai explained that this move aims to ensure all learners access comprehensive healthcare services, aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Under the new Social Health Insurance (SHI) scheme, registered learners will receive enhanced health benefits. The scheme also provides financial protection for their parents against medical expenses.

To ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare services, Kimutai emphasized that all school-going children, from early education stages (PP1 and PP2) to university level, must register as dependents under SHA.

Elijah Wachira, Acting Chief Executive Officer of SHA, outlined the strategy for registering learners. The approach entails collaborating with school heads, headteacher associations, directors of education, and parents’ associations to communicate the benefits and registration process.

This initiative is part of the ministry’s broader policy, which requires parents to register their children as dependents under the SHA scheme by the end of September, using birth certificates and other identification documents.

Consequences of Non-Registration

Kimutai cautioned that learners who are not registered may face challenges in accessing healthcare services, although they will not be excluded from education. He stressed the importance of completing the registration process promptly to avoid potential disruptions in healthcare access.

The SHA, set to officially launch on October 1, 2024, will replace the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). This new scheme is broader in scope than the previous EduAfya program, which only covered learners in public secondary schools.

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The SHA will extend coverage to all students, including those in private schools and those in informal settlements.

Under the new scheme, all households are required to contribute 2.75% of their gross income, which will cover their children automatically.

Additionally, SHA has established specific funds such as the Primary Healthcare Fund and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund to ensure that all Kenyans, including learners, have access to essential healthcare services without out-of-pocket expenses.

Despite several court cases challenging SHA’s establishment, Kimutai affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the scheme. He highlighted the strong political will and resource allocation dedicated to making SHA a success, supported by the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023.

A robust plan guides the SHA’s implementation, including a centralized digital platform, the deployment of 107,000 Community Health Promoters (CHPs), and investments in healthcare infrastructure and workforce development.

Technological Advancements and Sustainability

The SHA introduces innovative technology, including a centralized digital platform under the Digital Health Act of 2023. This platform enhances efficiency, reduces fraud, and ensures consistent delivery of quality services, marking a significant improvement from the paper-based operations of NHIF.

The scheme also aims to offer sustainable financing for healthcare services, lessening Kenya’s dependence on donor support for crucial health programs such as malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS campaigns.

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Kimutai emphasized the significance of partnerships for SHA’s success. Collaborations with national and county governments, state departments like education and social protection, international organizations, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders support the scheme.

These partnerships provide additional expertise, resources, and funding required to ensure SHA’s effective implementation and sustainability.

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Ministry Folds EduAfya, Registers Learners Under Social Health Authority (SHA) Scheme

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