President William Ruto disclosed on Saturday, March 16, that Kenyans already enlisted in the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) will undergo fresh registration to access benefits under the country's new universal healthcare initiative.
In a public address, President Ruto outlined plans for a comprehensive registration campaign to be spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha.
This nationwide effort will ensure Kenyans are covered under the revamped healthcare system.
The transition from NHIF to the newly established Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), facilitated by three pivotal health bills signed into law by President Ruto, marks a significant shift in the nation's approach to public healthcare.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Kyogong—Kapkesosio— Sigor—Longisa Road tarmacking project in Chepalungu, Bomet County, President Ruto assured citizens that the upcoming registration drive would leave no one behind.
"We are going to have universal health rolled out. The ministry will announce how you shall register afresh," President Ruto affirmed, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
Under the new programme, President Ruto highlighted that low-income earners would contribute a nominal fee of Ksh300 monthly, down from Ksh500 that was previously contributed under NHIF, with the government subsidizing costs for those unable to afford it.
This approach, he believes, will prevent Kenyans from being plunged into poverty due to exorbitant medical expenses.
Moreover, President Ruto underscored the incorporation of advanced technology within SHIF to tackle inefficiencies and corruption that marred the NHIF system, ensuring that public funds are optimally utilized to deliver quality healthcare services.
"We now have a law that establishes the Critical Illness Fund, which will be used to meet the cost of illnesses such as Cancer. No Kenyan will have to sell his property to pay medical bills," President Ruto reassured, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing critical health needs.
Ruto’s call to overhaul NHIF comes hours after hospitals affiliated with the Kenya Healthcare Federation are set to implement cash-only terms for NHIF patients, citing delayed reimbursements and inadequate payouts as pressing concerns.
Tim Theuri, CEO of the Kenya Healthcare Federation, expressed apprehension over the sustainability of healthcare institutions in light of the ongoing challenges with NHIF reimbursement.
"The fragmented nature of the industry, coupled with limited access to traditional financing options like banks due to their financial standing, makes them especially vulnerable when NHIF reimbursements are delayed or inadequate," Theuri lamented.
