Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has dismissed claims by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops that the government owes hospitals owned by Faith-Based Organisations billions of shillings.
Barasa said the claims of dues owed by the government through the defunct NHIF are “misleading, erroneous and false.”
She noted that the defunct NHIF had contracts with 8,886 facilities, encompassing public, private and faith-based organisations.
She said 312 of these facilities are owned by faith-based organisations, representing 3.5 per cent of all contracted providers.
The CS assured that the government is fully committed to settle historical debts. She noted that in the last month, Sh7.58 billion was mobilised to pay these arrears.
“So far, the Social Health Authority has disbursed Sh5,051,202,052.30 to various providers, including Sh938,605,212 to health facilities owned by faith-based organisations, majority of which are Catholic Church-run institutions,” Barasa stated.
In a statement, Barasa said the Social Health Authority will disburse the remaining Sh2.5 billion by next week and is committed to progressively clearing all unpaid NHIF claims.
“Additionally, the Social Health Authority is currently reconciling new claims submitted by providers in October and November 2024 under Social Health Insurance Fund, and the ministry assures all providers that these claims will be paid on time,” she added.
Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops had castigated the government for harbouring a “culture of lies” which it said is swiftly replacing the integrity and respect that Kenyans deserve.
“When the government fails to fulfil its promises, particularly concerning payments to essential service providers, it harms vulnerable communities. This is the case with NHIF. The neglect of Faith-Based Organisations hospitals, now owed billions in dues, is an issue we have addressed constantly even with the President,” the bishops said.
Barasa, however, said her ministry remains committed to providing transparent, accessible, and affordable healthcare for all.
“The government commends all Kenyans who have registered with the Social Health Authority and healthcare providers, including public, private and faith-based organisations. The Government further calls on all stakeholders, including the Catholic Church to support the rollout of the Social Health Authority,” she urged.
