As the fight against alcohol and narcotics use in the country intensifies, Cabinet Secretary for Health Deborah Barasa has called on Kenyans to enroll into Taifa care cover aimed at ensuring addicts seeking rehabilitation can be treated.
The CS, speaking in Nanyuki on Tuesday where she launched a three-day sensitization, public awareness and capacity building on drugs and substance abuse workshop, pointed out that the government was expanding the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) to cover expensive costs of rehabilitating drug addicts who cannot afford the treatment. "The government is expanding the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) benefit package to include outpatient coverage for the treatment, cessation, and rehabilitation of drug and substance abuse," said the CS.
She revealed that the expansion would cover the expensive treatment costs including patients affected by chronic illnesses as a result of drugs and substance use, however encouraged on prevention. "This expansion will eliminate financial barriers and ensure those in need can access the necessary care," said Barasa.
She noted that increased registration on Taifa care would attract more funding targeting to ensure Kenyans accessed quality care.