Health PS Harry Kimtai Addresses Challenges Facing Faith-Based Facilities During SHA Transition
Health PS Harry Kimtai Addresses Challenges Facing Faith-Based Facilities During SHA Transition
Health PS Harry Kimtai Addresses Challenges Facing Faith-Based Facilities During SHA Transition

Health PS Harry Kimtai Addresses Challenges Facing Faith-Based Facilities During SHA Transition

MoH News / Tue, 10/15/2024 - 06:32

Nairobi  Kenya - 14th October 2024 - Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, convened with religious leaders at Ufungamano House to discuss the challenges associated with the transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA). He clarified that patients turned away from hospitals did not originate from faith-based facilities.

A primary concern raised was the outstanding debts owed to healthcare facilities by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). Kimtai announced that KES 1.5 billion has been secured for immediate disbursement to healthcare facilities, with an additional KES 3 billion expected next week. Claims submitted from October 1 will be prioritized to prevent further debt accumulation.

Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) will be incorporated into technical teams to tackle challenges within healthcare facilities, with plans for on-site visits. A joint campaign between the Ministry of Health and FBOs will also be launched to encourage Kenyans to register for SHA.

Kimtai revealed that NHIF owes approximately KES 30 billion to healthcare facilities, with counties collectively owed between KES 8 to 12 billion. He assured that all pending bills will be settled within 90 days.

Regarding the SHA system rollout, Kimtai stated that engineers are actively addressing ongoing challenges, and additional training for health workers is in progress.

This initiative reflects the government's commitment to providing quality healthcare services to all Kenyans.