By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor
Dr.Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary, Medical State Department,and Mr. Silas David Obuhatsa,National Parents Association (NPA) photo
The National Parents Association (NPA), led by National Chairman Mr. Silas David Obuhatsa, has reaffirmed its full support for the Government of Kenya and the Ministry of Health in the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) as the country’s primary health financing system.
The Association said quality healthcare is a constitutional right and emphasized that a strong national health insurance system is critical in protecting Kenyan families from the financial burden of medical expenses. It urged all parents, teachers, eligible learners, school support staff, public servants, private sector employees, business owners, farmers, informal sector workers and all households to register for SHA without delay.
According to the NPA, SHA offers every Kenyan an opportunity to access affordable, equitable and quality healthcare services, including emergency treatment, maternal and child healthcare, chronic disease management, specialized care and other essential medical services. The Association noted that healthy families contribute to stronger communities, improved learning outcomes and increased national productivity.
The Association encouraged every household to prioritize healthcare planning by registering all eligible family members and ensuring contributions are paid consistently to maintain uninterrupted access to healthcare services whenever needed.
The NPA also called on Kenyans to use official Government registration channels, including the SHA digital platform, Huduma Centres, accredited registration centres and participating health facilities. Citizens were further advised to keep their personal and dependent information updated and to make timely contributions through approved Government payment channels.
While expressing support for the reforms, the Association appealed to the Ministry of Health, county governments and healthcare providers to continue improving service delivery in accredited facilities. It emphasized the need for dignified patient care, professional customer service, timely treatment, clean hospital environments and equal access to quality healthcare regardless of a patient’s social or economic status.
The Association further recommended the full operationalization of SHA services across all eligible public, faith-based and private healthcare facilities to enhance access, reduce travel distances for treatment and strengthen emergency healthcare services across the country.
As education stakeholders, the National Parents Association commended the Ministry of Health for advancing Universal Health Coverage and promoting preventive healthcare.
The Association concluded by calling on all Kenyans to support the national initiative by registering for SHA, maintaining active membership and encouraging family members and communities to do the same.
“Together, we can build a healthier Kenya where every citizen has access to quality healthcare without financial hardship.”
