Busia County Senator Okiya Omtatah has called on his colleagues in the Senate and those in the National Assembly to urgently address the situation in the health sector in the country.

The Busia Senator argued that the country is in urgent need of intervention and proper direction following the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Omtatah highlighted that the transition had left many patients suffering following decisions by some hospitals to demand money despite orders from the Ministry of Health.

He pointed out that the continued focus on political processes while ignoring the urgent needs of the nation is likely to put the lives of many Kenyans at risk who majorly depended on the defunct NHIF.

The activist thus challenged the Senators and Members of Parliament to urgently convene sittings and address some of the issues experienced following the rollout of SHIF.

“Parliament and the Senate must urgently convene emergency sessions just to address the health crisis in our country. We cannot overlook the severity of the situation and continue engaging in political manoeuvring. We need to get our priorities right as a nation,” Omtatah’s statement on Saturday, October 5, 2024, read in part.

“Patients are suffering, and lives are at stake. This indifference from those in power is both shocking and unacceptable. We need immediate action to prioritise the health and well-being of our citizens before it’s too late,” he added.

Stranded patients

Some patients, especially those with cancer and kidney issues, are among the worst hit by the transition. Speaking to various local media stations, the patients lamented over being forced to pay in order to access services despite having contributed to NHIF.

This despite the Ministry of Education led by Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo directing hospitals to continue processing bills using NHIF during the transition period.

Nonetheless, the Ministry announced on Friday, October 4, 2024, that the SHA claims system is fully operational. Further, CS Mulongo informed the country that the training for health facilities on the claim’s portal had commenced.

“Currently, 232 out of 353 renal and oncology providers have committed to delivering services under SHA, and this list will be published online today. Pre-authorization is not required for service provision to previously paid-up NHIF members seeking renal and oncology care since they transitioned. to SHA,” the Ministry explained in regards to those denied renal services.

Additionally, CS Mulongo insisted that the training of hospitals to provide needed information on SHA had kicked off.

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