Passaris Sends Emotional Plea to Ruto

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has called on President William Ruto to release detained patients and bodies from referral hospitals and mortuaries this Christmas.

In a heartfelt plea, Passaris emphasized that the holiday season should be a time for families to reunite rather than being burdened by medical debts.

Passaris addressed President Ruto directly, stating, “Your Excellency William Ruto, as Christmas approaches, I humbly urge you to consider releasing detained patients and bodies from our referral hospitals and mortuaries. Christmas is a time for families to be reunited, not burdened by medical debt.”

Acknowledging the financial implications of debt waivers, Passaris expressed her belief that the judiciary would recognize the crucial role played by the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She committed to sharing innovative financial solutions from the World Health Summit to bridge the funding gap for UHC.

“Realizing our nation’s vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) requires bold action. While I understand the financial implications of debt waivers, I believe Kenya’s judiciary will recognize the vital role SHIF plays in achieving UHC. I am committed to sharing innovative financial solutions from the World Health Summit to help bridge the UHC funding gap,” Passaris reiterated.

In November, the government faced a setback when a judge temporarily suspended further implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, until February 2024.

Justice Chacha Mwita of the Milimani High Court halted the enforcement of three new funds introduced by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, pending the determination of a case filed by activist Joseph Enock.

President Ruto had signed into law four healthcare bills, including the Social Health Insurance Bill, Primary Health Care Bill, Facility Improvement Financing Bill, and Digital Health Bill, during a ceremony at State House Nairobi.

These bills aimed to address financial barriers to healthcare and enhance the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) by creating the Social Health Authority.

Despite the temporary setback, President Ruto’s administration, under the Kenya Kwanza initiative, remained committed to providing comprehensive health coverage for all Kenyans through three new funds, including the Primary Healthcare Fund and Social Health Insurance Fund.

As the country navigates challenges in healthcare legislation, Passaris’s plea echoes the importance of compassion and unity during the festive season, emphasizing the need to prioritize family reunification over medical debts.