Gachagua Explains Why Govt Will Provide Free NHIF Cover to Alcohol Addicts

A photo collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing government officials (left) and him arriving at the Kenya School of Law in Nairobi on April 27, 2023.
A photo collage of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua addressing government officials (left) and him arriving at the Kenya School of Law in Nairobi on April 27, 2023.
DPPS

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, on Thursday, April 27, announced that the government was considering giving alcohol addicts free National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) cover to aid and fast-track their rehabilitation. 

Gachagua, who spoke during a multi-agency meeting in Nairobi, stated that the process of identifying addicts was already in an advanced stage. 

“Once we map up all the addicted persons using the community health volunteers, which is an exercise that has begun, the county governments will consider giving them NHIF covers that can take them to rehabilitation centres that are quite expensive.

“An ordinary rehabilitation centre is about Ksh50,000 and Ksh120,000 per month and you require a maximum of three months. It is a very expensive affair,” he explained.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (right) greats government officials during his arrival at the Kenya School of Law on April 27, 2023.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua (right) greats government officials during his arrival at the Kenya School of Law on April 27, 2023.
DPPS

Gachagua also divulged that plans to set up rehabilitation centres in all 47 counties were underway. 

He further asked all the agencies to work closely together to curb illicit brew, which has ruined the lives of many individuals, once and for all. 

“I want collaboration between the investigators, those who arrest people, and prosecutors to save the generation not already addicted. 

“As we fight this menace, think of your own children. Think what would happen if it is your child. Those young men and women who have been addicted could be your own children. I want to appeal to you parents to give your all in this fight,” added Gachagua.

According to the former Mathira Constituency legislator, President William Ruto was concerned over the trajectory of drug abuse and illicit brews

He warned suspects that the government would stop at nothing to make the country free from drugs.

Moreover, Gachagua lauded police officers for leading the fight against illicit brew and other illegal drugs, particularly in Kiambu County.

“I want to commend the police commander in Kiambu for the good work that you have done over the weekend. You confiscated Bhang worth almost Ksh300 million. 

“Your officers were offered money and they refused. That is patriotism. We are very proud of those officers,” he commented.

The meeting attended by, among others, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji and chiefs from the central region, was held at the Kenya School of Law.

Haji
Incoming Director General of NIS Noordin Haji addresses the gathering during a multi-agency meeting held at the Kenya School of Law on April 27, 2023.
Photo
ODPP Kenya
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