Senator Pushes Ruto to Scrap MPs’ Medical Cover After Complaints on SHA
Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has suggested a bold move to ensure all leaders fully support the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking at AIC Fellowship Annex in Eldoret, Mandago criticized some leaders for attempting to sabotage the government’s efforts to boost SHA registrations.
To address this, the former governor proposed removing medical insurance for civil servants and parliamentarians, forcing them to rely solely on SHA. This, he believes, would help them understand the importance of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
“We urge you to register because the government is committed to lowering medical costs,” Mandago stated.
The Senator further explained:
“Some leaders are downplaying SHA efforts. So, I propose we scrap medical cover for MPs and civil servants, and we all enroll in SHA.”
His suggestion received applause from the congregation, with Mandago insisting that this approach would make SHA more successful.
“This is the language they will understand. The President wants affordable healthcare for all, but privileged leaders are misleading the public. We must show them this is not the way forward,” he emphasized.
SHA Faces Challenges Amid Lawmakers’ Luxurious Health Cover
Mandago’s remarks come as SHA grapples with funding challenges. Recently, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale urged Health CS Deborah Barasa to address growing concerns, noting that many Kenyans oppose SHA.
Despite SHA’s rollout, MPs still enjoy a lucrative medical insurance package worth KSh 10.65 million annually, covering:
- Inpatient Cover: KSh 10 million
- Outpatient Cover: KSh 300,000
- Maternity Benefits: KSh 150,000
- Dental & Optical Cover: KSh 100,000 each
- Funeral Cover: KSh 100,000
The issue of lawmakers’ medical benefits after leaving office has sparked debate, especially after discussions during a mid-term retreat in January. Some MPs suggested monthly contributions to maintain their benefits post-retirement.
Meanwhile, in November 2024, the Treasury & Economic Planning Ministry introduced a draft bill—the Public Finance Management (Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund) Regulations, 2024—aiming to enhance medical benefits for civil servants under Universal Health Coverage.
Senator Pushes Ruto to Scrap MPs’ Medical Cover After Complaints on SHA
