Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo has issued instructions to hospitals nationwide as the Social Health Authority (SHA) takes effect replacing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Speaking during the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) launch on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the Health CS directed hospitals to allow patients to access services during the transition period.
She directed the health facilities to process patients who were initially registered on NHIF and had not joined SHA.
“No hospital or health facility will deny you service during this transition,” Mulongo assured Kenyans.
“We have already communicated that services must continue uninterrupted ahead of the implementation of this progressive scheme,” she added.
Her sentiments came after some cancer patients and expectant mothers raised concerns over fears of being denied services or being forced to pay to access the services that were previously subsidised under NHIF.
However, CS Mulongo noted that cancer patients would still receive their dialysis, and expectant mothers attended too without being forced to pay during this transition period.
Avoid disruptions
Earlier, Acting Social Health Authority CEO Elijah Wachira had ordered all hospitals that had admitted patients before September 30, 2024, to process their payments through NHIF.
The SHA boss argued that the decision would prevent disruption of healthcare services.
Further, the CEO urged all contracted healthcare providers to escalate their concerns to a designated SHA branch manager for swift assistance.
“The Social Health Authority has assumed all functions and operations previously managed by the Board of Management of NHIF,” the statement read in part.
“According to Section 25 of the Act, SHA is responsible for purchasing healthcare services and ensuring that quality healthcare is provided to beneficiaries at the healthcare providers,” it added.
The rollout has, however, received opposition from a section of Kenyans. Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah is one of those who have opposed its rollout, arguing that it is unconstitutional.
The lawmaker has since moved to court to halt its full implementation.
Despite concerns raised by Kenyans, the Ministry of Health has insisted that SHA will help patients access health services irrespective of their economic status.
Kenyans can register for SHA easily by dialing *147#, through assisted registration with Community Health Promoters (CHPs), or online via the SHA website. #BimaBora #AfyaNyumbani pic.twitter.com/nws8qYHx5L
— Ministry of Health (@MOH_Kenya) October 1, 2024
