William Ruto administration to review NHIF, revitalise primary healthcare

President William Ruto said his administration will review the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to cater for more Kenyans.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Uhuru Gardens on Thursday, Ruto said the contribution structure of NHIF will be reviewed to ease the medical burden on Kenyans.

The president said the new model will focus on households instead of individuals.

Ruto said his administration will revitalise primary healthcare by establishing preventive and promotive strategies.

"We want to lift this punitive burden from the shoulders of Kenyans and their businesses through our universal health care plan," Ruto said.

"The plan is to revitalise primary healthcare by laying more emphasis on preventive and promotive strategies."

He said his administration was keen on ensuring all Kenyans have access to affordable and quality medical care.

He explained that the national Govt will partner with counties to mainstream community health workers and make them the foundation of the country’s healthcare.

"In partnership with county governments, we will mainstream community health workers and make them the foundation of our healthcare system," the president said.

Ruto also said his administration will address the matter of inadequate resources in public health institutions.

"We intend to address the challenge of inadequate human resources in the public hospitals and the poor industrial relations between health professionals and county governments," he said.

According to Ruto, his administration commits to the professional development of health workers and has collaborated with county governments in resolving outstanding issues.

"We are particularly committed to the professional development of health workers," the president said.

"I take this opportunity to assure health workers that we have listened to them and we will propose ways, in collaboration with county governments, of resolving their outstanding issues."