With the launch of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), President William Ruto has made a bold move toward universal healthcare, signaling a shift in how Kenya’s health sector operates. Yet, to fully realize this vision, he must go a step further—by phasing out private medical schemes in all public entities.
For years, the government has allowed private healthcare providers to operate within the public sector, indirectly promoting a two-tier health system. Public servants are often covered under private medical schemes, funded by taxpayer money, while the general public relies on an under-resourced public health system. This discrepancy has widened the gap between healthcare standards for government employees and ordinary Kenyans.
Retiring private medical schemes in government institutions would bring immediate benefits. Redirecting funds toward SHIF would ensure a collective pool, enabling better resources, wider access, and improved infrastructure for public hospitals. Public servants would receive the same quality of care as the public they serve, fostering trust in the national health system. Moreover, eliminating private schemes within government structures would also align public servants’ health needs with those of ordinary citizens, making healthcare reform truly universal.
However, success lies in making SHIF functional and efficient, as its effectiveness will determine how quickly private schemes can be retired. If President Ruto is to achieve “affordable healthcare for all,” he must build a healthcare system that serves all Kenyans equally. Ending private schemes in government entities isn’t just a policy shift; it’s a statement that health equity is a priority, and public resources will be used to strengthen public services.
This move could be a legacy-defining step for President Ruto, establishing him as a leader dedicated to healthcare reform. Retiring private medical schemes would symbolize a commitment to a fair, accessible, and publicly funded healthcare system that serves everyone, from the highest office to the grassroots.
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The author is 2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County
@BillyMijungu
