Nyong'o to push for a national health insurance

Written By:KBC reporters, Posted: Mon, Mar 07, 2011

Nyong'o returned in the country on Sunday

Minister for Medical Services Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o has vowed to push for a comprehensive health care system for all.

Nyong'o said most Kenyans cannot afford the high cost treatment for diseases like cancer hence the need to create a health insurance.

Speaking Monday at afya house, the Minister said he will revive efforts to establish a comprehensive social health insurance scheme.

He said that Kenyan hospitals are ill equipped to treat cancer saying it is important for government to invest heavily in modern technology and equipment.

He said many Kenyans die of cancer and other terminal diseases because of lack of knowledge and funds.

The Medical Services Minister returned in the country on Sunday after three months stay at the University of California, San Francisco Cancer Centre in the United States where he was receiving treatment for prostate cancer.

The disease was diagnosed in a Nairobi hospital in July last year.

Upon his arrival, The minister said he would dedicate most of his energies to helping Kenyans suffering from prostrate cancer and other diseases.

He also promised he would push for a national social health insurance scheme for all Kenyans, irrespective of their social status, so that all can access treatment.

"I decided to go public on my condition because I feel prostate cancer is a social thing and not a personal one. I was also fortunate because I have a health insurance. What we need is proper planning, social investment and technology, for us to realise our dream," said Nyong'o.

Meanwhile, Public Service Minister Dalmas Otieno said that the country's referral and teaching hospitals and special units lack personnel and modern equipment to keep pace with the world.

Dalmas said that the facilities are underfunded and the government must increase funding for the health sector.

Speaking at the Ministry of Medical Services office during a brief handing over ceremony, Otieno said it was shameful to see senior citizens rush to other countries for specialized treatment.

He said the government should prioritize improving health care services urging Medical Services Minister Anyang Nyong'o to ensure that the personnel in hospitals are trained to international standards.

Otieno pledged to ensure that the public service performs to best world standards.