All hospitals to continue providing critical services under SHIF-CS
KNA by Anne Mwale
The Government has assured Kenyans that no contracted health provider under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will deny members access to dialysis, cancer or maternity services.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Debora Mlongo said the Ministry is addressing complaints from the public that some health providers have informed patients they will need to pay cash for these services moving forward.
"No member will be denied access to dialysis or cancer services. Maternity services should not be denied at Kenya Essential Package for Health (KEPH) Level 2 and 3 facilities, and actively managed schemes will continue to access services," she said.
Speaking in Nakuru when she toured various health facilities as part of monitoring the roll out and implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), the Cabinet Secretary indicated that all public hospitals, from level two to six, have been contracted and are offering services to SHA-registered beneficiaries.
“As of today, 1,442 private and faith-based health facilities have returned newly signed contracts and are now providing services. To ensure that healthcare services remain accessible during the transition, SHA has set a deadline for the healthcare providers to return signed contracts by Tuesday this week,” she disclosed.
The Cabinet Secretary said the government will reimburse money paid by all dialysis patients covered by National Insurance Fund (NHIF) and SHIF who were asked to pay in cash in various public and private health care facilities.
Dr Mlongo said unlike its predecessor National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), SHIF is shifting focus from curative health to preventive and promotive health care as a key strategy for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), aimed at lowering the burden of preventable diseases.
She noted that regular check-ups and early detection of illnesses are crucial in maintaining public health adding that by providing coverage for preventative services, the programme encourages citizens to prioritize their well-being, leading to a healthier population and reducing the overall burden on the healthcare system.
“This initiative also aims to improve the quality of healthcare services. With a dedicated fund supporting healthcare providers, there is potential for increased investment in medical infrastructure, training, and technology,” she observed. The Cabinet Secretary further clarified that claims for patients admitted before September 30 will still be processed through NHIF, regardless of their discharge date.
“Kenyans covered by NHIF and yet to shift to SHA will still receive treatment. However, they will be required to register as soon as possible. No hospital will send anyone back home because they haven't registered. Instead, they will register you and treat you, " said Dr Mlongo.
Her statements coincide with the government’s official rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which is set to take over responsibilities previously managed by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
She assured Kenyans that service providers have committed to ensuring continued access to care for SHA beneficiaries during the period.
The government on October 1, 2024, rolled out SHA and on October 2, migrated all NHIF accounts to the new scheme.
The government assured that contributions made to NHIF will remain secure as the system transitions to the new Social Health Authority (SHA).