Health CS Susan Nakhumicha, on Monday, June 19, suspended eight National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) hospital branch managers accused of using underhand tactics to fleece unsuspecting Kenyans.
While addressing the media, Nakhumicha faulted cartels for colluding with the branch managers to orchestrate the scheme.
The Cabinet Secretary directed the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to liaise with the NHIF board to conduct investigations and submit a comprehensive report within seven days.
In addition, she instructed the NHIF board to take appropriate action against employees believed to have conspired with the cartels. Nakhumicha also extended an invitation to the whistleblower involved in the exposé, requesting their cooperation in aiding the EACC detectives in their ongoing investigations.
"I wish to express my disappointment at my ministry's staff who participated in this callous syndicate. I met with the NHIF board chair and instructed him to commence investigations, including inviting the whistleblower to share details regarding this heartless and ruthless cartel.
"I also asked the board to take action against culpable staff and directed a preliminary report be shared by the NHIF board within 48 hours," Nakhumicha ordered.
She also directed the Health Ministry department in charge of relations to act swiftly and issue a substantive report.
"I have made a special request with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to liaise with NHIF to carry out investigations with the aim of finding out how these cartels siphon resources. This report should be availed within seven days.
"In my last message, I reiterated that hospitals should reopen while payments remain pending, but some facility owners used the opportunity to fleece Kenyans. Beyond verifying current outstanding payments, we are embarking on a verification exercise of all payments to flag any inconsistencies," she indicated.
Hospitals Targeted by the CS
The CS listed eight hospitals accused of frustrating patients in the NHIF scandal. The eight comprised;
Jekim Medical Centre in Meru Central
St Peters Orthopaedic and Surgical Hospital in Kiambu County
Afya Bora Hospital in Mwea, Kirinyaga
Joy Nursing and Maternity Hospital in Malewa Street, Kamukunji
Afya Bora Hospital Annex in Wanguru in Mwea
Jekim Hospital in Nkupu Imenti South, Meru
Beirut Pharmacy and Medical Centre
Amal Hospital Limited in Nairobi
Nakhumicha also directed the facilities to transfer their in-patients to other hospitals and evacuate within 24 hours.
In addition, the health CS ordered a lifestyle audit on all NHIF staff to ensure each member could explain their wealth in line with their earnings. All inconsistencies, she warned, would attract firm and legal measures.
