Assembly Passes Bill Offering Free Medical Treatment To Residents Over 65

Residents of Taita Taveta County who are above 65 years of age will receive free treatment in public hospitals.

This is after a bill was passed by the Taita Taveta county assembly that was started by the previous administration.

MCAs said they passed the bill after establishing that some of their senior citizens are very needy and they can not afford to visit hospitals due to lack of money.

They also noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had affected the elderly the most and lack of proper medical care is detrimental to them.

County executive for Health John Mwakima said the department is currently working on regulations for the programme to avoid residents of other counties from flocking the county.

"The county budget should target mainly the locals just like other counties taking care of their residents in a special way. But due to the loopholes, we used to give free treatment to non-residents, thereby putting pressure on our facilities," Mr Mwakima said.

"The ongoing mapping exercise will give us a clear picture of how many people will benefit for us to budget accordingly. The programme will be implemented through a law which was passed recently," he added.

This initiative will ensure that dignity is restored to the elderly Kenyans who are ailing as it removes the burden from them.