Patients admitted before SHIF deadline to be processed through NHIF

In a statement, Acting Social Health Authority CEO Elijah Wachira ordered all hospitals who had admitted patients before September 30, 2024, to process their payments through NHIF. 

This, according to the SHA boss, will prevent disruption of healthcare services. 

Further, he urged all contracted healthcare providers to escalate their concerns to a designated SHA branch manager for swift assistance. 

They will also sensitize and encourage patients to register for SHIF to ensure the programme covers their medical expenses. 

"The Social Health Authority has assumed all functions and operations previously managed by the Board of Management of NHIF," the statement read in part. 

"According to Section 25 of the Act, SHA is responsible for purchasing healthcare services and ensuring that quality healthcare is provided to beneficiaries at the healthcare providers."

The rollout of the SHIF comes amid various concerns raised by Kenyans over the government's readiness to implement the programme. 

Critics have also questioned why the government needed to rollout a Ksh.100 billion programme (SHIF) to replace NHIF instead of improving the repealed programme would be a more cost effective option. 

Under the SHIF programme, all Kenyans will be required to part with 2.75 per cent of their income, with a minimum contribution of Ksh.300.