Ksh 9 Billion Allocated to SHA
The shift to SHA involves a new benefits package and is expected to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services across the country.
The Kenyan Ministry of Health has announced the release of Ksh 9 billion to the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA) to settle debts previously held by healthcare facilities under the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, made the announcement during the inauguration of the Rift Region Multi-Sectoral Committee in Nakuru, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring no patient is turned away due to unpaid bills.
This release comes as part of the broader transition from NHIF to SHA, which officially launched on October 1, 2024.
The SHA aims to provide a more comprehensive and sustainable healthcare system, aligned with the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.
The shift to SHA involves a new benefits package and is expected to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services across the country.
Healthcare providers had been facing significant financial strain due to delayed payments from NHIF, leading to the risk of interrupted services.
The newly allocated funds will help stabilize the sector by clearing some of these outstanding debts.
However, experts have pointed out that while the government has taken steps to improve healthcare funding, additional resources will be needed to fully support the SHA’s ambitious goals.
The initial budget allocated to SHA is a fraction of the estimated costs required for full implementation.
In addition to settling past debts, SHA has introduced new tariffs and benefit packages for various medical conditions, including chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
These changes are expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on patients, furthering the country’s push toward universal health coverage.
This development reflects the government’s broader agenda to ensure efficient and equitable healthcare services, as seen in partnerships with technology firms like Safaricom to enhance digital health management systems.