The National Assembly's Committee on Public Petitions Chaired by Hon. Nimrod Mbai met the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) Ag. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Samson Muhora and National Parents Association (BPA) Chair Mr. David Obuhatsa to discuss the implementation of the Edu-Afya Medical Scheme for Public Secondary Schools. .

The Scheme is meant to cover essential outpatient and inpatient medical treatment on a comprehensive basis for the students both within the country and overseas. The cover provides for road and air evacuation, dental, optical, group personal accident, group life and specialized services.

Members pointed out some drawbacks in the implementation of the scheme which include; lack of public participation on the onset, level of public awareness, capacity building of the relevant stakeholders among others.

Members also raised concerns over cases of fraud in the use of  Edu-Afya Scheme and inefficiency in dealing with such cases. 

“Can you confirm to this Committee that you have the capacity to do your surveillance of corruption and fraud cases? What are the measures you have placed to curb this and what are the checks and balances you have provided?” Hon. Kagesi asked.

In his response, Mr Kuhora stated that NHIF does not have a system, however  they have a road map of flagging out fraud cases. 

Hon. Mbai expressed concern on the laxity in ensuring public awareness of the Scheme. He  asked NHIF to appraise the Committee on their efforts in creating awareness. "The public is not aware of this Scheme yet the Ministry of Education is paying some medical claims for non-existent patients", said Hon. Mbai.

The NPA Chairperson, Mr. David Obuhatsa told the Committee that some of the challenges health facilities face include; insufficient drug supply, few accredited health facilities in rural areas and delayed treatment.

In response to the petitioner’s recommendation, Mr. Obuhatsa said that the idea of  establishing clinics in every public school is good but it is expensive and will be underutilized. The best option is to equip the nearest health facilities substantively.

The Committee called on the NPA  and NHIF to synergize a seamless relationship between them to bring about efficient implementation of the Scheme.