Residents in Machakos County have been advised to register for the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to enable them access affordable healthcare.
Addressing a women meeting in Athi River town on Thursday, Joyce Mbula of Hifadhi Silha Medical and Diagnostic Centre said the fund was beneficial given that members save for their medication when they are in good health.
"I as a medical specialist support NHIF because it gives its members opportunities to save for their healthcare while at work or in business when they are in good health," said Mbula.
According to Mbula, many people from the region cannot afford to settle hospital bills in health facilities due to high rates of poverty.
Mbula said registering for the fund will enable residents to get treatment for ailments that they would normally not afford to pay for without the medical cover.
Mbula claimed that some of the private health facilities in the region were not registered by relevant authorities and manned by non-professionals.
She said NHIF scheme gives opportunity for residents with even less incomes to get quality health services in recognised health facilities both public and private without straining.
Mbula said there was dire need to conduct more sensitisation on NHIF within the county so as to create awareness to the populace whose majority, according to her is ignorant.