Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has announced that his administration will settle Social Health Authority (SHA) registration fees for all needy residents of the county seeking treatment in public facilities.
"When patients arrive, before the doctor begins treatment, they will be asked if they have SHA. If a patient has SHA but it is not paid for, the county government of Mombasa will pay for it so that they can receive treatment without worrying about hospital bills,” Nassir said.
The registration fees will be paid at the hospital when a patient visits, the governor said during a briefing in Mombasa on Thursday.
SHA is a government-backed health insurance scheme aimed at ensuring that citizens can access medical services affordably. It replaced the National Health Insurance Fund.
Nassir said the plan is aimed at ensuring every resident can access medical services despite their financial position.
“What I am announcing today is the first of its kind. I have set up everything from Post General, Likoni Hospital, Utange Hospital, Port Reitz, and all our Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals," the governor said.
"For Level 2 and Level 3 hospitals, all services are free as long as one is registered with the SHA," Nassir said.
For Level 4 and Level 5 hospitals, including Post General, Utange Hospital, Likoni Hospital, Port Reitz Hospital, and Tudor Hospital, the first question one will be asked at the hospital will be whether you have SHA, he said.
He added that if the needy patients have not paid for it, then the county government will cover the hospital costs.
Nassir clarified that this service is intended strictly for Mombasa residents. "And this does not refer to race, religion, or tribe. It simply means someone who lives, works, or has strong ties to Mombasa," the governor said.
“When I say Mombasa residents, I don’t mean your race, religion, or tribe. I mean if you live in Mombasa, work in Mombasa, or have any connection to Mombasa without discrimination."
The governor emphasised that he does not want to hear any more reports of people struggling with hospital bills.
“We have already sent the money to the hospitals. I do not want to hear that anyone is being asked to pay for treatment,” he said.
The governor's announcement means that for Mombasa residents who cannot afford to pay for SHA, the county will step in and cover the costs immediately, allowing them to receive treatment without delay.
