Ways Used to Siphon Kshs50 Billion From NHIF

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has unearthed how collusion between the National Insurance Hospital Fund (NHIF) and hospitals led to the loss of Kshs50 billion.

Investigators stumbled upon a pile of documents at the NHIF relating to premiums from special medical schemes that were used as conduits to pilfer the institutions.

The fund’s management and some hospital administrators conspired to double charge the government in medical bills worth Kshs12.7 billion that was paid annually since 2015.

Apart from overcharging, they would also generate false medical bills for civil servants, police, NYS and prison staff who had never sought treatment.

Between 2016 and 2017, outpatient claims rose by 48 per cent, surgery 73 per cent, renal dialysis (41), optical on managed scheme claims 365 per cent, dental (50), specialised surgeries by 100 per cent, kidney transplants (198) and drug and alcohol rehabilitation by 67 per cent.

Kshs1.1 billion was irregularly paid to Webtribe Limited, a software development firm that trades as JamboPay for an Integrated Revenue Collection System between August 15, 2014, and October 31, 2018.

The fund’s top managers have been arrested over the loss of money at the institution and their bank accounts risk being frozen.

Fredrick Sagwe Onyancha, a 39-year-old receptionist at the National Hospital Fund (NHIF), is among 20 people DPP Noordin Haji, wants arrested for grand corruption at the institution.

It is reported that Onyancha bought eight houses worth Kshs160 million between 2013 and 2017 at an upmarket estate in Athi River.

According to the Nation, Onyancha (39), who is a prime suspect in the NHIF scandal led a lavish lifestyle by using the millions he minted to hire a helicopter and avoid traffic from his home to his office.

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