Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has raised alarm over an emerging scam targeting Kenyans seeking to register for the new Social Health Authority (SHA).
While appearing before the National Assembly for grilling on Wednesday, April 16, Duale called out unscrupulous individuals who have been misleading unsuspecting Kenyans by exploiting gaps in public awareness in the new government healthcare system.
According to CS Duale, some Kenyans have been subjected to a small fee to register for SHA, whilst registration is supposed to be free.
“Public awareness on SHA remains low, and some individuals are exploiting this gap by misleading Kenyans and charging them for registration, which is completely free,” Duale observed.
The CS further revealed that the rogue individuals' mode of operation involves manipulating the Means Testing tool, which is primarily designed to assess a person's income and ability to pay for health insurance premiums.
Despite emphasising that the Means Testing tool was accurate and secure, the CS also admitted the government was aware of individuals using the system to dupe unsuspecting Kenyans.
He went on, "There is a manipulation of the Means testing tool. There are people who take Kenyans to guide them, then take money from them. I want to tell Kenyans that registration is free. No one should charge you anything."
On the issue of a lack of knowledge about SHA, the CS admitted Kenyans were apprehensive about reforms, but emphasised that the new healthcare system was transparent and revolutionary.
Registration numbers have also spiked in recent months, with the new CS revealing there was an average of 40,000 new registrations on a daily basis, with counties in Central Kenya including Nyeri leading in the highest number of registrations countrywide.
Since taking over the Health docket in March, Duale has shown intent in streamlining the health sector, with a special focus on cracking down on malpractice regarding the SHA. His latest revelation about the registration scam came just days after he flagged another vice involving unqualified health practitioners.
Speaking during a meeting with the Council of Governors (COG) Health Committee on Monday, April 14, Duale revealed that some health practitioners have fabricated surgical procedures, claiming to have performed them to receive funds from the national insurance scheme.
Duale announced his docket would involve other agencies to crack down on facilities involved in fraud and irregularities.
