Infotrak: Kenyans struggling to afford healthcare
Infotrak has called on the government to invest in public health facilities in the country.
Walter Nyabundi, the research firm’s head of public policy, while presenting a survey report on the state of health in the country, said explained that affordable healthcare would increase the productivity rate in the country.
“71 percent of Kenyans, and especially those in low social-economic class depend on public health facilities,” he said.
He also decried what he termed as double taxation by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“The NHIF amendment requires the contribution of Sh6000 from every adult each year for medication. The government also collects billions from NHIF.”
He also noted the high cost of Covid-19 treatment has made it difficult for people to afford the services.
According to the survey, 39 percent of Kenyans sought help from relatives and friends to get treatment. It also noted that only 5% of Kenyans are covered by NHIF.”