The Ministry of Health (MoH) has flagged off the asset verification process of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) which is a pivotal step towards transitioning to Social Health Insurance (SHA).
Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha said that they have embarked on the verification of NHIF assets and liability to ensure that there is an effective transition to the Social Health Authority.
She said that the verification was in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition from NHIF to SHA, one that does not disrupt service delivery to the people of Kenya.
She acknowledged that the transition must be seamless and that those under NHIF cover should not realize the change except for the improved service they receive.
“The verification seeks to ascertain assets and liabilities held by the NHIF at the headquarters, branches, satellites and the various Huduma centres before handing over the key sources to SHA,” she stated.
Speaking at Afya house in Nairobi on Monday as she flagged off the exercise, Nakhumicha said that the verification seeks to ensure accountability and transparency as she urged the team to be committed so that the verification could be quick and effective.
The CS said that SHA would effectively run as from July 1, 2024 and the registration of households would commence in the month of May while she informed Kenyans that the NHIF is still active and working.
She urged the health service providers and facilities to continue providing services to Kenyans and reminded them that the MoH had begun the payments of the verified pending bills for NHIF following receipts of necessary funds from the Treasury.
Nakhumicha announced that the MoH would continue to settle all the legitimate claims in order to ensure that no Kenyan is denied health services.
She noted that Kenya has made health financing one of the key pillars for delivery of Universal Health coverage, adding that the government has enacted the Social Health Insurance Act and published the regulations which establishes three funds including Primary Healthcare Fund, Social Healthcare insurance fund and Emergency Chronic Critical Illness Fund under the SHA umbrella.
The CS urged the stakeholders to play their role to ensure a seamless transition from NHIF to SHA in order to facilitate a timely transfer and initiation of service provision by SHA towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
By Sharon Atieno and Joyce Karanja
