The transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund to the new Social Health Authority was meant to improve healthcare access.
Yet, for many Kenyans, the reality has been far from this promise.
Thousands of patients across the country continue to suffer—especially in faith-based and private hospitals.
They are asked to pay out-of-pocket because the facilities have not been paid their NHIF dues, or because of problems with the new digital system.
The NHIF owes health facilities an astounding Sh30 billion, severely straining their ability to offer services.
Although government officials have promised to clear Sh4.5 billion of this debt by next week, this is a mere fraction of the problem.
The ongoing disputes between the government and healthcare providers should never result in patients losing access to care.
These squabbles are costing lives, with patients being turned away from essential services when they need them most.
It is a breach of trust and a failure of leadership.
The government must prioritise resolving this standoff immediately to prevent further loss of life.
Kenyans deserve a seamless transition between health systems—not one where lives are endangered because of bureaucratic delays.
Quote of the Day: “Pontius Pilate! God will not let you clean your hands of this!”
Arthur Miller . The American playwright was born on October 17, 1915