The government has released Ksh9 billion to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to address outstanding bills incurred by healthcare facilities under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
In a statement on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the Ministry of Health announced that the funds will be disbursed to facilities by the end of this week.
The funds, according to the Ministry of Health, include Ksh1 billion allocated for the Linda Mama program to secure free maternal healthcare.
Speaking in Nakuru on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai said the government is addressing current challenges faced through SHA to ensure no patient is turned away.
“We’re committed to addressing challenges to ensure no patient is turned away,” Kimtai affirmed.
Kimtai was speaking during the inauguration of the Rift Region Multi-Sectoral Committee, which includes County Executive Committees (CECs) and County Commissioners from Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Turkana, Narok, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Samburu, Elgeyo, and Nakuru.
The committee is tasked with steering registration efforts for the new health insurance scheme in the regions.
The PS said the government is committed to ensuring timely claim payments, now monitored daily and capped at a 90-day processing period to enhance transparency.
Already, the government has signed 26 agreements with the Council of Governors (CoG) to enhance medical equipment services in public facilities and has deployed 70 technical officers to assist county healthcare facilities.
“Counties must take ownership to drive this initiative effectively,” he added.
SHA growth
According to data from the Ministry of Health, SHA has recorded a 30 per cent growth of registered members from nine million to 13 million a growth of four million new members.
The data shows that in its first month of operation, SHA has delivered and paid for services for Kenyans amounting to Ksh289 million for inpatients, Ksh162 million for dialysis care, Ksh132 million for cancer care (oncology), Ksh106 million for maternity and infant care and Ksh95 million for mental wellness.
SHA also revealed that among the facilities enrolled are 4,444 public and government facilities, 2,498 private facilities, 535 faith-based facilities, 17 community facilities and 86 other facilities.
