KMA condemns medical fraud through NHIF

Through a public statement on Tuesday, the association maintains that the scandal undermines the integrity of the health industry and puts the lives of Kenyans seeking medical attention in jeopardy.

“We believe in upholding the highest standards of medical ethics and professionalism as evidenced by our Code of Conduct, which our members are bound by,” read part of the statement.

KMA adds that it will conduct investigations on its members and those found culpable will be subjected to punishment within the legal perimeters.

The association further calls for an imperative and collaborative engagement between the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDU) and the NHIF to investigate the fraudulent case and take necessary action against the culprits, calling for protection of whistle-blowers. 

“We note that medical ethics and standards are threatened when there is no proper and standardized coordination between the regulator and professional associations,” KMA said suggesting an immediate and urgent need to establish structures that would enhance self-regulation in the health sector to prevent further corruption.

The public is urged to play the role of a watchdog to the medical staff and report any malicious activities they perceive to be happening in the health industry.

The statement by KMA comes after the cabinet secretary for Health Susan Nakhumicha issued a directive for the immediate suspension of branch managers in places involved in the NHIF scandal.

The fraudulent NHIF staff is believed to be working mostly with private hospitals to rob off sick patients. 

Through a directive issued by the ministry of health, the NHIF system is set to undergo verification to flag off any inconsistencies that may be happening in the system.

The ministry has called for immediate action to be taken against the perpetrators of the NHIF scandal.