Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakumicha has suspended eight National Health Insurance Fund branch managers accused of using underhand tactics to fleece Kenyans.
Nakhumicha faulted cartels for colluding with branch managers to orchestrate the scheme.
The CS on Monday further ordered the NHIF board to commence investigations into the alleged fraud and present a preliminary report to her desk within the next 48 hours.
The investigations according to the CS will include inviting the whistle-blower to shed light on the details of the syndicate.
The CS further directed the division of standards and regulations to take action on the same and give a report.
"I have further made a special request to EACC to lias with NHIF and carry out comprehensive investigations to find out how these cartels syphon resources from Kenyans and NHIF specifically and I hope this can be availed within the next seven days," she said.
To ensure that facilities suspected to be engaging in malpractice do not continue with their activities the CS further instructed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to commence investigations immediately and conclude within 48 hours on the families mentioned in the NTV expose.
"Within 24 hours starting now, the facilities are directed to immediately transfer their inpatients and evacuate their process. This will allow KMPDC to commence their inspections," the CS said.
She said the teams from the ministry will enforce a directive for closure should the inspection find them culpable and they will remain closed until investigations are concluded.
