The Defence Forces Medical Insurance Scheme (DEFMIS) on 8 April 2025 held a Medical camp at Kitale Showgrounds in Kitale town. The Medical Camp targeted Defence Forces Medical Insurance Scheme (DEFMIS) beneficiaries and contributors (serving members) who are due to retire.
The beneficiaries received medical screening, treatment and were at the same time linked to their respective accredited healthcare providers. The event aimed at raising awareness on diverse health concerns and served as a platform for health talks on mental health, disease prevention as well as screening and management of Non Communicable Diseases like diabetes, hypertension and various types of cancer.
Managing Director Defence DEFMIS, Brigadier Hussein Amin announced plans for a second camp in the South Rift later in the year and emphasized the need to reach veterans not currently enrolled in DEFMIS. He also noted that DEFMIS is also rolling out biometric systems to enhance service delivery and a new mobile app that will replace the current hospital portal.
“The app will empower members to manage their benefits easily,” said Brigadier Amin.
He further noted that the ‘Pharmacy First’ initiative will soon enable patients with chronic conditions to access medications directly from selected pharmacies. This will provide greater convenience and continuity of care. He urged members to seek care at cost-effective facilities to support fund sustainability.
In his keynote remarks, the Chief Guest, Managing Director, Ulinzi Prime Health Services Fund, Brigadier (Dr) Atanasius Odhiambo, noted that the fund, launched by the President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, aims to give the defence community affordable access to KDF level IV to VI facilities.
“Mortuary services will also be fully covered under the fund,” he stated. He thanked veterans for their service, urged them to prioritize physical and mental health in retirement, and applauded partners and healthcare providers for the success of the medical camp.
Former Chief of Defence Forces Gen (Rtd) Daudi Tonje praised DEFMIS for its progress since its inception in 1996 to a current membership of 46,000 personnel, crediting his motivation to start the scheme to the struggles faced by veterans without proper medical cover. He also encouraged all veterans to consider the Social Health Authority (SHA) as a complementary insurance, saying it will further benefit them and their dependants and improve their retirement quality of life.
Health providers and other stakeholders that partnered with DEFMIS for the successful event were Cherangany Hospital, Equity Afya, St.Luke’s Orthopedic Clinic, Reale Hospital , AAR Healthcare, The Nairobi Hospital, Monalife Pharmaceuticals, Karen Hospital, Eldoret Regional Hospital, Military Wives Association of Kenya (MWAK) and Defence Forces Comrades Association (DEFOCA) among others.
The Medical Camp brought together over 500 beneficiaries constituting retired and retiring Senior Officers, Officers, Service Members and their families. Notable leaders present included Maj Gen (Rtd) Gordon Kihalangwa and Managing Director Karen Hospital, Dr. Gikonyo among others.
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