Parliamentary committee to probe public funds mismanagement at NHIF

The National Assembly Health Committee is set to commence an inquiry into allegations of conspiracy and fraud between NHIF officials and private health facilities following revelations that some facilities had received monies through fictitious claims.

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with top NHIF officials and Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimutai, the Committee affirmed that the only way to unmask the goings on at the state agency, so as to safeguard public funds, is through an inquiry.

"We intend to open an inquiry because Kenyans cannot be fleeced off their contributions. This Committee will not watch as individuals within the NHIF mismanage public funds. NHIF is one of the key institutions that this government intends to deliver on its quest for universal healthcare and we will ensure that we hold the agency accountable," said the Committee's Chair Dr. Robert Pukose.

The action was precipitated by complaints from Kenyans who have attempted to seek medical care through NHIF and have been turned away while it also emerged that some private facilities had made millions while public facilities had been starved.

"How does the NHIF identify such frauds? Do they have a risk audit department? Will NHIF provide more details so that we are able to interrogate the NHIF and grind down to the finer details of where the loopholes in the agency are?" Medical Services PS Harry Kimutai posed. 

This follows an exposé that revealed that a number of private hospitals are part of an elaborate syndicate working with unscrupulous NHIF staff to rob unsuspecting citizens and government of the healthcare funds.

Addressing the media last week, KMPDC Chair Prof. Stanley Khainga noted that the health facilities, which are largely domiciled in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Nyeri counties, will remain closed until investigations are concluded by relevant authorities.