NHIF scandal: Health CS Nakhumicha suspends branch managers as probe kicks off

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has suspended all NHIF branch managers in areas affected by the recently exposed scandal of the embezzlement of NHIF funds.

According to the expose, a number of private hospitals in Nairobi and Meru Counties are reported to be part of an elaborate syndicate working with unscrupulous NHIF staff to rob unsuspecting citizens and government of the healthcare funds.

“…to ensure that facilities suspected of these ills do not continue siphoning resources from patients and government, I hereby direct that all branch managers for NHIF in the affected areas be suspended immediately pending investigations,” said the CS in a press briefing on Monday.

The Health CS faulted the activities of the cartels and confirmed to have issued a directive to the Chair of NHIF board to conduct a painstaking investigation on the cartels including inviting the whistle-blower to aid with the investigation.

”I have also directed that a preliminary report be shared with me within 48 hours by the NHIF board. Further I have directed the ministry’s division in charge of standards and regulations to take action immediately and give me a report,” the CS said.

Nakhumicha added that she has also made a special request to the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) to liaise with the NHIF board to scrutinize how the cartels managed to draw funds from NHIF and from the sick Kenyans.

The CS affirmed that the verification will go beyond current outstanding payments to establishing all payments across the country to flag out any inconsistencies that may have led to the abuse of public resources.

Nakhumicha also directed the Kenya Medical Practioners and Dentists Council as well as the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to immediately commence investigations on six medical facilities implicated in the scandal and conclude the probe within 48 hours.

In the meantime the facilities are required to transfer all their inpatients.

“Additionally we are going to commence an elaborate lifestyle audit on all staff of NHIF,” added the CS.