State disburses Sh9bn to clear NHIF pending bills

The government has released Sh9 billion to the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA)

This comes in a bid to help sort outstanding bills accrued by healthcare facilities under the now-phased-out National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

This announcement comes 29 days after the new health care system SHA was rolled out, with Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai, confirming that the funds will be disbursed to facilities by the end of this week, including Sh1 billion allocated for the Linda Mama programme to secure free maternal healthcare.

Speaking on Monday in Nakuru County during the inauguration of the Rift Region Multi-Sectoral Committee, Kimtai revealed that the funds shall be disbursed by the end of the week.

This committee comprises of County Executive Committees (CECs) and County Commissioners from 13 counties.

They included Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Turkana, Narok, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Samburu, Elgeyo, and Nakuru.

Kimtai said that the committee's primary mandate is to lead SHA registration efforts within their respective regions ensuring that more Kenyans are enrolled to the new health scheme.

In his remarks, Kimtai emphasized the ministry’s commitment to timely claim payments, with a 90-day cap on processing periods and a daily monitoring system aimed at increasing transparency.

“We’re committed to addressing challenges to ensure no patient is turned away,” Mr. Kimtai affirmed.

The PS also urged the county governments to take an active role in raising public awareness, increasing registration efforts and identifying the financially vulnerable Kenyans in a bid to ensure that every citizen is covered under SHA.

In support of SHA’s rollout, the government has signed 26 agreements with the Council of Governors (CoG) to enhance medical equipment services in public facilities and has deployed 70 technical officers to assist county healthcare facilities.

Kimtai highlighted the importance of county involvement, stating that “counties must take ownership to drive this initiative effectively.”

SHA’s rollout marks a transformative step in the Kenyan healthcare sector aiming at providing a framework for more equitable health coverage and expanding access to medical services across the nation.

The Linda Mama programme, alongside SHA’s new guidelines and resources, underscores the government's commitment to universal healthcare.

With these initiatives, SHA is expected to offer improved services, safeguard maternal health and alleviate financial burdens on citizens seeking medical care.