Martha Karua wants Gov’t to bear costs of testing, treating COVID-19 in public hospitals

The government should bear the cost of testing and treating COVID-19 patients in all public hospitals, this is according to Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua.

Karua, while saying cessation of movement is not an end in itself, stated that many Kenyans have suffered from the effects of the pandemic and can no longer afford the high costs of treating the disease.

“The government must immediately take up the cost of testing and treatment of COVID-19 patients in all public hospitals, and avail the vaccines in all public hospitals countrywide,” she said.

She said the government must invest heavily in the health sector and buy the vaccines in bulk to arrest the current situation since the partial lockdown is having massive impacts on the lives of Kenya.

“Cessation of movement in 5 counties is in effect a lockdown of the whole country for they are a gateway to the country,” said Karua on Monday.

She blamed the President Uhuru Kenyatta-led Jubilee government for the increase in infections saying they disregarded measures aimed at combating the spread of the coronavirus.

“It’s a case of missed opportunities and misguided efforts, by now we should be having testing capacities in all 47 counties, capacity to respond to the critically ill and we should have the benefit of improved health services countrywide,” she stated.

She added that many Kenyans are likely to lose their jobs and asked the government to put in place measures to cushion them especially with the rising costs of living.

Karua also wondered why one year down the line the government has not brought to book those involved in looting funds set aside to fight the pandemic popularly referred to as the COVID billionaires.

She urged the President to personally take charge and make sure the culprits are dealt with.

“We are reminding you for the umpteenth time, 21 days are over, we have another COVID wave and your government has not caused the arrest and prosecution of the culprits, we must continue demanding,” Karua told the Head of State.