National Assembly Health committee chairperson Sabina Chege has maintained that her committee will continue to push for the reduction of medical fees in the country amid opposition from health practitioners.
Speaking in a local radio station, the lawmaker decried the huge fees Kenyans pay in their quest to access medical services. She dismissed claims by health stakeholders that the move had ill motives.
Healthcare professionals had earlier opposed the proposal, challenging the government to clarify the relationship between Universal Healthcare (UHC) and private healthcare providers.
The Murang'a Woman Representative wondered why Kenyans who opt to access medical services in India pay less than in the country.
“Many Kenyans who opt to seek medication outside the country end up paying not half of what they could have used in Kenya despite paying for air tickets and buying medicine,” Mrs. Chege said.
She added that the cost of medicine in the country vary from different places which in turn raises the medical cost. Using paracetamol as an example, the lawmaker showed how the retail prices varied in Nairobi.
Last week the Kenya Medical Association (KMA) through their President Jacqueline Kitulu opposed the proposal saying the process was not transparent. They vowed to stay away from any board discussion relating to the subject.