Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa has called upon all Kenyans to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) which replaces the existing National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) starting October 1, 2024.
Speaking at a media engagement forum, the CS noted that only about 1.2 Million Kenyans have registered for SHIF therefore more Kenyans need to register so that they can seamlessly transition from NHIF and enjoy the enhanced services without any interruption of services.
Dr Barasa noted that enhanced benefits such as the ambulance services and emergency care introduced under SHIF will benefit many Kenyans during emergencies such as cardiac and pulmonary arrests, major traumas and shock, loss of consciousness, seizures, chest pains, stroke, snake bites among others.
“In the past Kenyans have been in distress and stranded in times of emergencies as most facilities would not admit patients without asking for a substantial amount of money first,” she noted.
She noted that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) which is a human right addresses affordability, accessibility and equity
“The concept has been tried and tested in Kenya since 2003, so now this is our time to implement, one step at a time.” She spoke adding that the implementation will be gradual.
She noted that Kenya is set to make a major advancement in achieving UHC with the official launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
The SHA, which will be replacing the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), aims to provide affordable, accessible, and quality healthcare services to all Kenyans.
Dr. Barasa acknowledged the funding challenges but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing out-of-pocket expenses and improving healthcare services noting that the government has allocated Sh. 6.1 billion for SHA, which is just a fraction of the Sh.168 billion needed for full implementation.
She however assured Kenyans that SHA will continue to improve as the system evolves and additional funding is secured.
“We will start with what we have and the benefit package will improve as we progress,” she noted.
In addition to launching the SHA, the government is partnering with Safaricom to digitalize healthcare services, which will enhance efficiency and data management.
The CS noted that digitization will also reduce corruption in the health sector by reducing the human interface from the facilities to the national level.
“We have had facilities make fraudulent claims but now with the digital platform we expect these cases to be fewer,” she said.
She challenged all Kenyans to register and contribute to SHIF saying those funds that will be claimed by public facilities across the country will go a long way in improving the health sector.
Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki who is the chair of the health committee in the Council of Governors noted that more is needed to get Kenyans on board and suggested the government employs a multi sectoral approach and provides resources for sensitization and registration.
“We need a drive or an awareness campaign so that Kenyans can understand why they need to register for SHIF” Njuki said, noting that such sensitization drives cost money and should be budgeted for.
Njuki further called for adequate collaboration between the national government and the counties to ensure that funds from the exchequer are disbursed on time so as not to affect provision of health services.
Also in attendance were key health officials including Principal Secretaries Harry Kimtai (Medical Services) and Ms. Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, SHA Chairperson Abdi Mohammed, and SHA CEO Elijah Wachira among others.
By Purity Mugo
