- The technology will be able to provide digital member services, healthcare empanelment as well as pre-authorisation
- PS directed to furnish the Committee with tender documents including the cost of the system
Image: FILE
MPs have begun investigating a multi-billion procurement of the Social Health Authority's ICT registration system.
Members of the National Assembly’s Health Committee claimed the procurement of the new system is "shrouded in deep secrecy".
They demanded that SHA's management provide procurement details, including those who tendered for the project.
The Committee chaired by Endebess MP Robert Pukose also wants the SHA management to furnish it with the total amount the Authority intends to spend on the technology.
The session got heated after Medical Services PS, Harry Kimtai, said the Authority is well into the process of securing the technology.
“The procurement process of this system is at an advanced stage,” Kimtai told the lawmakers.
The PS appeared before the Committee to, amongst others, appraise the team on the ICT system upgrade, and protection of the users and service providers during the transition.
The technology will handle claims, provide digital member services, healthcare empanelment (the process of assigning patients to a primary care provider) as well as pre-authorisation.
Kitutu Chache South MP Antoney Kibagendi questioned whether there would be value for money.
“The system you are talking about is shrouded in secrecy. How are you registering members? What is the cost of the system? Where are the adverts for this tender?” posed Kibagendi.
“PS you are ambiguous about this matter, when was the advert for this done? Who was given the tender?”
MPs also poked holes in the transition process of the new health scheme that is scheduled to be launched on October 1.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron cautioned that the pace at which the transition is being carried might not give the best results.
The process is rushed, he said.
“Do we believe that we are able to meet the targets by October 1 and implement the new scheme? Are these dates realistic?” Oron posed.
The PS however expressed confidence that they would beat the deadline and have the enhanced scheme operational.
“We are ready for the rollout, we have set everything in place and once we get the approval (of the human resource instruments by the Public Service Commission) we will be able to onboard onto the new system,” Kimtai said.