The County Government of Mombasa has announced expansion of its ‘Mombasa Care’ health initiative in a bid to reach more vulnerable families in the six sub counties of the coastal city, the initiative which has been in place since assumption of office by incumbent Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir aims to relieve vulnerable families of financial medical burdens by providing them with comprehensive healthcare burden.

According to Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad, the new expanded program, will now cover the cost of Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance for all vulnerable and low-income residents of Mombasa not only for public hospitals but all the major hospitals in the county including Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, all Level 4 hospitals, and, for the first time, Level 3 health facilities.

“Kila mkaazi wa Mombasa ambaye ataenda kwenye hospital za Mombasa ambazo ni level 5,4 na 3 na ni mhitaji wa matibabu ya aina yoyote, tumeeka desk maalum pale na tumetenga pesa ya kuweza kuwalipia ile amana ambayo ilikuwa inalipiwa SHA,” said Governor Nassir.

According to the Governor, this new expanded model will extend to family members for a period of one year and is part of his government’s efforts of ensuring medical services are accessible to those who can’t afford to pay.

The Governor acknowledged existence of a few challenges in implementation of Mombasa Care Program but reaffirmed his commitment in overseeing its success stating that all the required funds has already been disbursed to the necessary hospitals.

“Nafahamu kutakuwa na changamoto hapa na pale lakini nina imani kwa ushirikiano wa kila mmoja kwamba tutafaulu,” he reaffirmed.

Residents have been encouraged to visit nearby health centers or ward offices to register for the program and learn about the eligibility criteria. With this expansion, thousands more are expected to benefit from free access to essential health services.