Kenya Establishes Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel to Strengthen Social Health Insurance
Kenya Establishes Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel to Strengthen Social Health Insurance
Kenya Establishes Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel to Strengthen Social Health Insurance

Kenya Establishes Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel to Strengthen Social Health Insurance

MoH News / Wed, 02/12/2025 - 20:10

𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐘𝐀 - 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

 The Ministry of Health has established the Benefits Package and Tariffs Advisory Panel (BPTAP) to guide the implementation of Kenya’s Social Health Insurance (SHA) program. 

Announcing the initiative during a media briefing on Wednesday 12th January 2025, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, emphasized that the panel will play a critical role in ensuring that Kenyans receive quality healthcare services through an equitable and financially sustainable system. 

 Domiciled at the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA) at the University of Nairobi, the BPTAP brings together experts in health economics, epidemiology, actuarial science, and health sciences. 

The panel’s mandate includes reviewing and recommending comprehensive health benefits packages, advising on fair pricing and tariffs for healthcare services, and monitoring the impact of the SHA program to ensure continuous improvement. Dr. Barasa underscored the importance of an evidence-based approach in shaping Kenya’s healthcare reforms. 

She noted that the BPTAP will conduct rigorous Health Technology Assessments (HTAs) to prioritize cost-effective, high-impact interventions that optimize resource allocation while guaranteeing access to essential services.

 She further highlighted that the panel’s work will enhance transparency and accountability, ensuring that healthcare policies remain responsive to the needs of all Kenyans. 

The establishment of the advisory panel marks a significant step in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and addressing financial barriers to healthcare access. The government, in collaboration with key stakeholders, is committed to fostering a healthcare system that upholds equity, affordability, and sustainability. 

 

 Dr. Barasa confirmed that the panel will commence work immediately, with a comprehensive review of the benefits package expected within two years. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s health system and ensuring that the SHA program remains adaptive to emerging healthcare challenges. 

 

The announcement comes as Kenya continues to bolster its preparedness against emerging disease threats, including the Mpox outbreak in Kenya, the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) situation in Uganda, and the Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak in Tanzania. Dr. Barasa assured the public that Kenya remains vigilant, with enhanced surveillance and response measures in place to safeguard public health.