NHIF Crisis Averted: Govt Takes Action After Health Minister’s Complaint
A day after Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha admitted that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) was struggling to meet its obligations, the National Treasury took steps on June 10 to avert an impending crisis in the Health sector.
CS Nakhumicha disclosed in a statement that the Treasury had transferred funds to the cash-strapped parastatal. The funds would assist NHIF in paying claims submitted by various service providers nationwide.
“Facilities claims will be settled immediately,” Nakhumicha assured, “but I must reiterate that we will ensure prudence and accountability in this endeavor.”
However, the government would verify the claims before disbursing the funds because it was determined to eliminate all instances of corruption. She argued further that the procedure would weed out providers making unnecessary claims.
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“Therefore, all claims will be thoroughly vetted before payment so that we can utilize the available resources as efficiently as possible,” she insisted.
Thus, the CS ordered health facilities to resume operations and urged them not to reject patients with NHIF cards.
A segment of Kenyans protested the decision and demanded the immediate release of funds to settle their claims.
On Friday, June 9, CS Nakhumicha acknowledged that NHIF was experiencing financial difficulties, but vowed to remedy the situation after meeting with President William Ruto.
“Kenya is bankrupt, and this is a fact that no one can dispute. The cash shortage has affected the NHIF, and that is the truth. We are evaluating all possible interventions to determine how to address the situation,” she said.
“I want to assure Kenyans that we met with the President this week and informed him of the importance of the country’s health sector. I advised him to prioritize the matter and seek out funds to pay NHIF. The CS added, “He agreed.”
She also advocated for the Finance Bill 2023, arguing that its revenue-generating provisions would stimulate the economy.
Ruto promised to revitalize the NHIF sector in his pledge. He emphasized the importance of the sector in facilitating Kenyans’ access to affordable health care.
The President proposed reducing low-income earners’ NHIF contributions from Ksh500 to Ksh300 beginning in July 2023.
High-income earners will contribute 2.7% of their earnings to evenly distribute the burden.
NHIF Crisis Averted: Govt Takes Action After Health Minister’s Complaint
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