is a blessing to Kitui
A COMMENTARY
By Munyasya Musya
Assistant Director
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| The face of K-CHIC campaign |
Communications and Public Relations
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
For several weeks, there has been an intense debate about the Kitui County Health Insurance Cover (K-CHIC) sometimes leading to despicable reactions.
The arguments criticizing the project have been bitter, emotional and often laced with mockery and irritable sarcasm. That is well within the rights of citizens with whom the sovereign authority of Kenya lies.
Such criticism is by all means in order but not necessarily right when critics declare that the programme is doomed to fail without giving it the benefit of doubt. It is not only erroneous but reckless to claim it has failed even before it has started!
In my opinion, what is right is fundamentally what is good for us all, the people of Kitui county. And K-CHIC is by all assessment a good and timely initiative for a people who have suffered immensely from our own ill-health or that of a beloved one or quite often the death of a beloved for their inability to afford the best locally available treatment.
Universal health care also called universal health coverage provides health care and financial protection to all citizens of a particular country or county in our case. It is designed to provide a specified package of benefits to all target members in order to ensure financial risk protection, improved access to health services and improved health outcomes.
It is determined by who is covered, what services are covered, where and how much of the cost is covered. The World Health Organization considers universal healthcare as a situation where citizens can access health services without incurring financial hardship. It does not imply coverage for all people for everything and everywhere.
The world is still grappling with how universal cover can be achieved. Consequently, the United Nations member states have agreed to work toward worldwide universal health coverage by 2030 with the goal of creating a system of protection which provides equality of opportunity for people to enjoy an attainable level of health.
Many countries around the globe are therefore embarking upon health system changes that move them closer towards achieving universal health cover.
It is a climb up a steep hill. It is not an easy walk even for the mightiest of the world. We should therefore congratulate our county government for embracing this global initiative rather than sneer, condemn, cast doubts and insults.
If fully supported by all the people and their leaders, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) can be a powerful vehicle towards improved equity, health, financial wellbeing of households and ultimately development for Kitui County.
Much has been said and questions raised about the implementation of K-CHIC. Of particular note has been in regard to steps currently being taken to: 1) set and expand guaranteed services, 2) develop health financing systems to fund guaranteed services and ensure financial protection, 3) ensure high-quality service availability and delivery 4) improve governance and management of the health sector and K-CHIC itself, and 5) strengthen other aspects of health systems to move closer to UHC.
The County Government of Kitui, like everywhere universal healthcare has been implemented with success, is continually tackling some of the difficult—often sensitive—questions around implementing UHC while ensuring coverage of the poor at no or low cost.
Aware of the challenges that lay in the way of success of K-CHIC, the county government is continually working on how to build and sustain political commitment for UHC over time, and manage opposition to pro-poor service delivery.
Other issues being tackled include how to secure and maintain the necessary long-term health system finance. Proactive measures are also being taken to ensure adequate institutional capacity and expand services where this capacity is weak as well as ensure health systems are responsive to population needs.
The programme has now been rolled out and great success experiences are being recorded each day in various parts of the county. K-CHIC success cases are rising into hundreds day by day too as families register and discover its great value in times of sickness.
To quote the World Bank, “Health is a fundamental investment in human capital and in economic growth – without good health children do not go to school and adults are unable to go to work”.
K-CHIC is great move towards social and economic liberation. Go ye and register. Go ye and tell your neighbours and relatives.
