PH
Over 800 people living with disabilities in Sabatia constituency have a reason to smile after they were enlisted to benefit from National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) services.
Area MP Alfred Agoi led officials from NHIF in registering the disabled from his constituency.
Agoi said the disabled face many challenges especially in terms of treatment as they are neglected by society and government.
“Access to medical care by people living with disabilities is a nightmare because a majority of them come from humble backgrounds. Instead of them looking for me every other time, I have decided to enlist them with NHIF to make their treatment easier,” Agoi said after hosting them for a luncheon at Moi Girls High School Vokoli on Madaraka Day.
He added, “I decided to enjoy a meal with the disabled from the county to discuss with them on how they can be empowered in order to become independent and stable.”
He was accompanied by MCAs Maureen Ambasa, Vennah Kaisha, Andrew Ahuga and Gladys Analo.
Mr Agoi said he had paid an initial Sh500 per person for the first month and intended for them to get cards, after which he will pay for six months as he sources for other sponsors who can chip in and help.
The legislator said the disabled are faced with many challenges including being sickly, and failure to get good healthcare leads to complications.
“Lack of support is a major challenge on their side. Apart from treatment, they need to be empowered so that they can lead a comfortable life,” he said.
He said the monthly stipend of Sh2000 provided by the national government towards the disabled has not been felt as only a few people benefit, leaving a majority of them out.
“The government should increase allocation to the kitty so that all people can benefit,” he said.
He challenged the county government to procure an ambulance to specifically serve the disabled by taking them to hospital whenever they fell sick.
The disabled complained that they were faced with challenges of misrepresentation, employment, and recognition making it difficult to reach the services they require as stipulated in the constitution.
