Mukurwe-ini: Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament John Kaguchia has expressed his dissatisfaction with the implementation of the Universal Health Coverage under the Social Health Authority among Persons with Disabilities, the elderly, and the indigents. Speaking at the PCEA Muhito church in Mukurwe-ini during celebrations to mark the international day for Persons with Disabilities, Kaguchia questioned why the vulnerable were still struggling to access medical services despite campaign pledges by the current administration that higher contributions by high income earners would help subsidize healthcare for all Kenyans.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kaguchia criticized the requirement for PWDs to pay a full year’s SHA subscription before accessing medical care. He highlighted his own contribution of Sh38,000 monthly as an MP, emphasizing that the campaign promise was for higher earners to support the vulnerable, including the elderly and PWDs. He expressed surprise that PWDs are being asked to pay a whole year’s contribution to receive treatment.
The MP pointed out that SHA collects over Sh6 billion monthly from Kenyans, yet many PWDs struggle to access routine medical check-ups, essential medication, and assistive devices. He stated that the situation is so severe that the vulnerable are resorting to holding fundraisers for healthcare. Kaguchia urged the government to release the collected funds to support the vulnerable and ensure they receive free medical treatment as envisioned in the manifesto. He advocated for fully paid medical cover from SHA for all PWDs.
Kaguchia also called for the elimination of bureaucracies preventing PWDs from accessing the cash transfer programme, suggesting automatic inclusion similar to that of the elderly. He argued that Kenyan taxpayers contribute enough to support PWDs and criticized government spending on luxury and unnecessary expenditures. He emphasized that prioritizing PWDs’ welfare would enable them to afford a decent life.
Furthermore, Kaguchia criticized the government for failing to implement laws protecting PWDs, resulting in unnecessary suffering despite existing legislative guidelines. He highlighted that the legislative body has fulfilled its mandate by passing laws regarding PWDs’ welfare, but government inaction continues to pose challenges for this vulnerable group.
