The Kenya Renal Association (KRA) on Saturday raised concerns over the ongoing crisis occasioned by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in failing to reimburse dialysis services offered to its members.
KRA in a statement noted that starting January 2024, over 5,000 patients seeking dialysis treatment would be required to make direct payments should NHIF not release funds.
99 per cent of patients on dialysis in Kenya are fully covered by NHIF at a rate of Ksh 9,500 per session according to KRA.
NHIF payments cover the dialysis itself, blood boosters and monthly laboratory tests.
"Our patients be prepared for the health crisis they face in less than a week's time by beginning to make the necessary financial and logistical arrangements needed to ensure they continue smoothly with at least twice a week dialysis," KRA warned patients seeking the life-saving procedure.
"Dialysis patients should prepare to make direct payments for dialysis sessions. They should also identify government facilities with dialysis units and book for sessions there in case this crisis is not resolved."
A patient is required to undergo two dialysis sessions in a week in their lives or until they can get a kidney transplant.
KRA further complained stating they were overstretched with just over 50 specialists spread thinly across the country.
According to the specialist doctors, few Kenyans can afford the treatment with the majority solely depending on NHIF coverage.
“With daily running costs, delay or failure by the NHIF to release funds that are owed to dialysis units is a deathblow to these units and puts a serious threat to offering seamless and continuous care to the patients. For patients missing a single session of dialysis can lead to deterioration of their health and avoidable death," the statement read in part.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha was implored to act accordingly and avert the looming crisis.
The warning by the Kenya Renal Association (KRA) was made days after the Rural Hospital Association of Kenya (RUPHA) urged patients to start paying for their medical expenses from their own pockets from January 4, 2024.
