A medical expert has disagreed with Nyeri Diocese Archbishop Antony Muheria’s remarks that the Social Health Authority (SHA) was not adequately serving patients.
The Kiambu-based medic, Stephen Waweru, acknowledged that there may be challenges with the SHA, but asserted that these issues are being streamlined by the government.
Waweru, who is commonly known as “Western,” instead urged Archbishop Muheria to consult more widely regarding the SHA, suggesting that his comments might confuse his church members.
Waweru noted that every project inevitably faces initial challenges, adding that these difficulties inform the implementers on necessary improvements.
“As of now, many patients are being served well by the SHA, regardless of denomination, race, tribe, or sex. What is required is to be a registered Kenyan contributing to the insurance scheme,” Waweru stated.
“Our friend, Bishop Muheria, might criticize the SHA heavily, only to find out that many people from his own church are being served well by it,” he mused.
At the same time, Waweru asked church leaders across the country to remain non-partisan when commenting on government projects.
He argued that churches are institutions that should connect the government and society, rather than merely criticizing public institutions.
Waweru emphasized that churches are places where all people run to seek peace and hope, urging their leaders to embrace being unbiased.
“Our church leaders must be very careful when speaking about the government and other public institutions,” he advised.
He added that the Bible, specifically the book of Romans 13, contains a directive for Christians to obey and submit to their governing authorities.
Waweru, who is also a WATS specialist, defended President William Ruto’s administration, saying it is working to improve the health, roads, industry, education, and infrastructure sectors.
Archbishop Muheria had on Saturday urged the government to streamline the SHA to offset the huge bills that mission hospitals were claiming from the authority.
He noted that mission hospitals were struggling to serve patients due to debts owed by the health authority.
The Catholic bishop also lamented that some patients were stranded in hospitals with huge bills despite having contributed to the SHA.
