MPs concerned by stalled health ministry projects

Lawmakers have raised concerns over potential stalling of ongoing and planned development projects under the Ministry of Health.

Parliamentarians’ fears come in the wake of the much-anticipated rollout of health benefits under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which has been put into jeopardy following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.

The National Assembly departmental Committee on Health says the country is in a difficult situation following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 and that the government has no option but to rework to align to this reality.

The bill had provisions for significant funding in infrastructure, including road construction, housing, and public utilities.

The bill had, for the first time, allocated approximately Sh6 billion to finance two critical funds: the Primary Healthcare Fund and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund.

Vulnerable individuals

Additionally, it set aside funds for indigent and vulnerable individuals under the Social Health Authority (SHA).

However, the government has postponed the scaling up of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act 2023, the Primary Health Care Act 2023, and the Digital Health Act 2023.

These three acts, which have been enacted to establish the Primary Health Care Fund and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund, will be delayed until October.

Immediate former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha stated that the ministry is reworking its plans to align with the new reality.

She recommended that existing NHIF contributions and benefits continue until the transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA) is complete.

Endebess MP Dr Robert Pukose, who chairs the committee, warned that the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, following widespread protests and public outcry against the bill’s tax measures, will have dire ramifications on the country’s progress and development agenda.

  Pukose spoke during the committee’s consideration of the first supplementary estimates No.1 for the financial year 2024/2025 for the Ministry of Health, its state departments, and its agencies.

Bill Withdrawal

He argued that while the rejection and subsequent withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 was seen as a punishment to members of the National Assembly and President William Ruto’s government, it critically impacts the core development agenda of the country.

“This issue is not just affecting the president and the members of parliament who voted ‘yes’; it’s affecting everyone, including you and me. Without that funding, you will not be able to deliver the services you are supposed to deliver,” said Dr Pukose

“So, I urge you Mr Principal Secretary and your CEOs to speak out whenever you have the opportunity. When patients injured in the streets during protests come to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH), Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), or any other facility, our CEOs have the chance to explain and put into perspective the challenges we are facing due to the rejection of the Finance Bill,” he added.

Immediately the High Court suspended the roll out of SHIF, a new health cover scheme, a reality dawned on the country that Kenyans have to wait a little longer to start enjoying the benefits associated with it.

This therefore, meant that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) that had become defunct will have to continue to operate as usual, resulting in further confusion, even as Kenyans had raised issues about its payments.

The July 12 high court decision meant that the government had to shelve the roll out of the much-awaited health benefits under the social health insurance, until October.

The ministry published the proposed SHA benefits package four weeks ago and asked Kenyans for their views before the package is gazetted.

According to the law, SHA benefits were to be rolled out on July 1.   The Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024, says registration of members should be completed by June 30 and health services under the Act begin July 1.

The suspension also affects a number of other calendars of events that were scheduled to take place as the government implements Universal Health Coverage.

 “The SHA Act requires the design and publication of a new benefit package. We have, through a consultative process, developed and recently advertised the tariffs and benefit package for public participation and stakeholder input. Feedback has been incorporated ahead of a national validation and formal gazettement before the roll out,” Nakhumicha said