The government yesterday called for patience as it rolls the controversial Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), saying it was too early to make conclusions.

Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr Deborah Barasa said yesterday during an informal interaction with health reporters at Afya House, insisting that what Kenyans are witnessing about the rollout are just the first steps.

“We don’t expect a 30-day-old baby to run a marathon, but the baby has to grow, have baby steps, then they’re able to walk, and then they will sprint, and so it’s the same thing with this program,” Dr Barasa said, calling on partnership with the media to be able to sensitise Kenyans on registration and the challenges it is experiencing.

“We are in the early stages, and all we need from you is to support us in knowledge building for Kenyans, creating awareness, and changing their perception towards [SHIF],” the CS said, insisting this way Kenyans can access the services, and be able to make informed decisions.

Transition period

She argued that because SHIF is still young, the country is still in the transition period. “What we have said is that up to level four, we will open it for a primary healthcare level so that Kenyans will be able to have outpatient services until our referral systems are robust, and have ensured that all Kenyans are informed,” she said.

There have been loud protests from thousands of Kenyans over the new healthcare system, especially the registration process, access to healthcare services and costs incurred.

However, Dr Barasa maintained that the ultimate goal is for the government to ensure that all Kenyans are able to have affordable, accessible quality healthcare despite what she termed as the teething problems.

“It is a transformational agenda. It is a health system. It is a nationwide implementation of a system that will cause a paradigm shift when it comes to health systems,” she stated.

Latest data with the Ministry shows that close to 13 million Kenyans have registered for SHIF since July 1, while 8, 680 users have enrolled with another 7, 127 successfully logging in and 7, 649 health providers also enrolled from October 3 to November 2.

Recorded transactions

The Ministry report also indicates that 156, 037 claims have been made with a value of Sh2.6 billion and 2, 976 providers involved in transactions between October 1 and November 3.

“[SHIF] has also made 61,184 facility pre-authorisations with a total value of Sh1.8 billion finalising 59,170 pre-authorisations valued at Sh1.7 billion,” according to the Ministry report.

For these numbers to improve, Dr Barasa pointed out that there is need to have human resources to the last mile, health products and technologies as well. However, creating awareness, ensuring that there is coverage from primary up to the highest level of health, and that Kenyans are accessing quality healthcare are some of the pillars for the new scheme.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that every Kenyan should be able to access quality care and affordable health. “What we hope to achieve is that we have the health products and technology to the last mile, but again, to achieve this we want to work closely with the media to ensure Kenyans register for SHIF and go to hospitals to experience healthcare services themselves,” she said.

She urged Kenyans to register for SHIF as part of a transformative agenda aimed at ensuring access to quality healthcare services without financial hardship.

Various channels

To facilitate the registration process, the Social Health Authority (SHA), which administers the scheme, has established a customer center to address any issues, and utilize various channels to communicate with the public. The government is also implementing means testing for households, with an insurance premium being developed to support families in need.

Dr Barasa assured that in the coming weeks, the government will reach them, to ensure that it maps out those areas.