Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has announced that the Treasury will disburse Sh1 billion to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) this week to settle outstanding payments, following hospitals’ preference for cash settlements.
During her visit to health facilities in Nairobi County on Tuesday, Nakhumicha revealed that discussions with the Treasury had led to this decision on settling NHIF debts.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition from NHIF to SHIF. The transition committee has devised a roadmap to guide the process, ensuring uninterrupted services,” she assured.
Despite urging patients to maintain regular clinic attendance, Nakhumicha called on Governors to address any emerging crises promptly.
Emphasizing the functionality of all referral hospitals, she encouraged the public to utilize these facilities for quality care. Additionally, she advocated for enrollment in the Social Health Authority (SHA) to facilitate a seamless transition from NHIF to SHIF.
Last week, hospitals under the Kenya Association of Private Hospital (KAPH) suspended services to NHIF beneficiaries due to unpaid debts.
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Eric Musau, Chairperson of KAPH, highlighted their engagement with NHIF regarding delayed payments to member hospitals.