Healthcare stakeholders call for settlement of NHIF debts before SHIF transition

In a statement by PharmAccess and Africa Health Business (AHB) on Wednesday, the stakeholders proposed the payment of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Ksh.26 billion accrued debts before transitioning to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

“Effectively manage the transition by paying the NHIF pending debts estimated at KES. 26bn, reconciling the outstanding claims and, not transferring them to the SHA or Treasury and incentivizing the payers and providers,” read the statement.

The stakeholders commended the usage of technology in the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda to accelerate the nation in health matters.

They also pointed out the influx of patients in health facilities, mentioning that Kenyans require quality care and exemplary customer service before onboarding them to the SHA scheme.

“Members need to be confident enough to receive better quality of care to consider pre-paying and enrolling into the SHA scheme,” the statement reads.

The CEO of the Kenya Healthcare Federation, Dr. Tim Theuri, on behalf of healthcare providers in the country, presented the challenges experienced by the NHIF, providing ways the SHIF could ensure proper management of the funds.

Additionally, the participants championed collaboration between private and public sectors in efforts to facilitate the growth of the SHA, therefore ensuring transparency in the SHIF management.

In attendance were leaders of public and private hospitals, health insurance companies, and the Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF).