NHIF members are advised to seek assistance from National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) customer service if they are dissatisfied with the way in which health services are delivered at the hospitals that treat them.
Speaking during sensitisation on the comprehensive medical insurance scheme for civil servants at a hotel in Kapenguria, the NHIF team leader David Kinara urged NHIF members to get in touch with NHIF customer care for assistance by calling the toll-free number 0800 720 601 or sending an email to info@nhif.or.ke, and customercare@nhif.or.ke or through social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn if they encounter a problem while seeking medical care from accredited hospitals that treat them.
“We have gotten good feedback, just a few issues with hospital access and prioritisation, but these are issues that we will iron out, and our clients with problems here and there can reach us for assistance and advice regarding the NHIF services,” he urged.
He went on: “We want to strongly urge you to contact us for support if you run into issues while seeking medical attention.”
Kinara said NHIF strives to provide effective, quick, and immediate services to all members.
“He said the mission of NHIF is to enhance the equitable and sustainable health and wellbeing of our community by cushioning them from financial hardship,” he emphasised.
Kinara reaffirmed that the NHIF’s service platform has been automated and that members can contact them through info@nhif.or.ke, and customercare@nhif.or.ke for assistance, among other platforms.
He claimed that by using the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code *155# and the NHIF App, the customer self-care services platform has aided in service delivery and lessened congestion in the NHIF stations.
He urged members to use the Comprehensive National Hospital Insurance Fund Medical Scheme without engaging in fraudulent activity.
Kinara also cautions against colluding with medical facilities in exchange for money.
He declared that anyone found in violation of the NHIF regulations would face legal action.
He advised members to use the Comprehensive National Insurance Fund Medical Scheme wisely and to protect it because it is for their benefit.
West Pokot acting Deputy County Commissioner Ruth Wachera called upon the civil servants to wisely use their health insurance coverage allocation.
Ms Wachera further encouraged civil servants to take advantage of the annual medical check by going for at least one physical examination to detect any current and future health issues that might develop in their bodies silently without their knowledge and seek early treatment.
” Early detection of diseases helps to avoid current and future health issues, and early detection makes treatment more comfortable, and I urge all civil servants to take advantage of the annual medical check allocation to go for a medical check-up,” she reiterated.
She disclosed that, generally, civil servants are very appreciative of the scheme and would like to continue using it for their health needs.
On his part,Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) national organizing secretary Wilson Asingo said the medical scheme is good because it ensures civil servants are in good health so they can discharge their duties to the citizenry.
Asingo urged the civil servants to guard the medical scheme by utilising their annual fund allocation well and avoiding visiting high-cost hospitals for minor ailments.
He further reiterated the need for civil servants to have an annual medical checkup, noting that monitoring and evaluation exercises have disclosed that such medical services are underutilised by members.
By Anthony Melly and Maurice Osore
