By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The Sierra Leone Social Health Insurance (SLeSHI) has engaged stakeholders from the Kono, Kailahun, and Kenema districts in popularizing an insurance health scheme for the citizenry.
The event was held at the Kenema District Council Hall on the 1st December 2023.
The Director-General of SLeSHI, Dr. Michael Amara said the engagement was to inform the people about the health insurance package that has been developed that will address various conditions and illnesses of clients.
The Director General of SLeSHI affirmed that they have engaged all the partners in the country, both national and international such as DFID and World Bank all of whom he said are in full support of the health scheme. He said that the Ministry of Health is a service provider and is charged with the responsibility to develop policies and implored all to support the government health insurance for a better health system in the country.
In his statement, the Chairman of the event and civil society activist, Charles Mambu said the scheme is a good initiative that government and development partners stand to implement for the citizens of this country. He said the organization should not be attributed to any political entity but be seen as an institution that cuts across all political lines as health does not discriminate.
He said civil society will fully support and work with any organization that intends to serve the citizens of the nation, stating that SLeSHI aims to provide quality health care service to the people.
Mambu reiterated that one way that will enhance the success of SLeSHI is to concentrate on addressing public health, saying if 50% of Public Health is prevented it will help reduce 80% of diseases and other health-related issues.
He urged citizens to join the health insurance scheme and pay their dues regularly based on the various categories available.
Edmond Abu from the Native Consortium spoke about what he said is the prevalence of health challenges related to the consumption of imported rice and said that as civil society, they will always be there to advocate for the people of Sierra Leone and any institution that meant well for the country.
The Medical Superintendent of the Kenema Government Hospital, Dr. Abdulai Tejan Jalloh commended the government and the management of SLeSHI for unveiling such an insurance policy for the people of this country. He said as medics, they are at the centre of the whole process.
He assured them of their commitment and support toward the progress of SLeSHI in that part of the country and affirmed the hospital management’s commitment to providing needed services for the people at all time.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (08/12/23)
