In a critical directive amidst the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), acting CEO Elijah Wachira has ordered hospitals to ensure the continuation of kidney dialysis, cancer treatment, and maternity services.
Addressing concerns about potential service disruptions, Wachira stated, “No member will be denied Dialysis and Cancer services. Maternity services should not be denied in KEPH level 2 and 3.”
This announcement follows social media outrage after patients were informed they would need to pay out-of-pocket for treatments previously covered by NHIF.
One notable instance involved DJ Krowbar, who revealed that his wife was asked to pay Ksh18,000 weekly for her dialysis, sparking widespread alarm. “Not only her, but thousands all over the country…if you have to come for dialysis, you have to pay cash,” he lamented in an Instagram post.
Effective October 1, patients visiting public hospitals with NHIF cards must now register with SHA to access services.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa highlighted that the government aims to raise Ksh148 billion annually to strengthen the healthcare system, although skepticism surrounds the transition recently demonstrated by lawmakers, who expressed concerns over the fairness of a means-testing tool for contributions.
As SHA begins its rollout, officials insist the changes are necessary to improve healthcare delivery in Kenya, yet many remain anxious about the implications for patients and the system’s viability.
