- The CS confirmed the Social Health Authority Board has received a list of empanelled facilities from regulatory bodies.
- She said the move will facilitate the Board in initiating contracts for service delivery.
Image: MINISTRY OF HEALTH / X
The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) registration will begin on July 1, 2024, Health CS Susan Nakhumicha has said.
She said that all Kenyans must register afresh to benefit from the Social Health Insurance.
The CS further said that the existing NHIF contributions and benefits will continue until the transition to SHIF is complete.
The registration can be done through a self-registration USSD code *147#.
Registration will also be done through the website http://sha.go.ke, with assistance from Community Health Promoters or by visiting NHIF offices and other designated registration points.
The CS said that the SHIF registration process is free of charge.
"The SHI Act mandates the design and publication of a new benefit package. This has been developed through a consultative process and recently advertised for public participation and stakeholder input. The feedback received will be incorporated ahead of a national validation and formal gazettement before the rollout," she said.
The CS confirmed the Social Health Authority Board has received a list of empanelled facilities from regulatory bodies.
She said the move will facilitate the Board in initiating contracts for service delivery, ensuring that healthcare providers and facilities are ready for the rollout.
"In light of the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024, which sought to finance the Primary Healthcare Fund and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund, the Ministry is reworking plans to align with this new reality," she added.
CS Nakhumicha assured Kenyans, particularly those currently benefiting from NHIF services, that they would not be denied any services during the transition phase.
The CS said that all facilities are urged to continue providing services, with all claims to be verified and settled as usual.
She was accompanied by Principal Secretaries for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Medical Services Harry Kimtai, Acting Director General for Health Patrick Amoth, SHA Chairman, and CEO among others.
On Thursday, President William Ruto met health officials led by CS Nakhumicha over the planned rollout of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
UHC is one of the key programmes in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto that the government seeks to fully implement.
It is aimed at ensuring that all Kenyans access free quality health services, including for critical illnesses such as cancer.
The government has set up three funds to meet the cost of UHC which are the Primary Health Care Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund and Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.
During the meeting, the officials briefed the President on the status of its rollout.