Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, also serving as Deputy Senate Speaker, has urged the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to prioritize settling outstanding debts owed to mission hospitals, emphasizing the critical role these institutions play in providing healthcare services to Kenyans.
Addressing attendees during the distribution of the medication to faith-based hospitals in Meru and Tharaka Nithi Counties through the Kamashinani Foundation, of which he is the patron, Murungi underscored the non-profit nature of mission hospitals.
He emphasized that these hospitals operate on minimal charges to sustain their workforce and patient care.
Expressing concern over delayed payments, Murungi highlighted the strain it puts on mission hospitals, impeding their ability to deliver adequate healthcare.
He pointed out NHIF’s indebtedness to hospitals such as Maua Methodist Hospital, Chogoria Hospital, and others under the Diocese of Meru, totaling approximately Sh600 million.
Quoting Murungi, he stated, “If you keep their Sh100 million and more, how do you think these hospitals will run?”
He stressed that these delays hinder hospitals from compensating their staff and meeting patient needs.
Murungi urged the Ministry of Health to expedite payments and ensure a smooth transition of debts to the new health scheme, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
He raised concerns about the potential transfer of liabilities from NHIF to SHIF, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the transition process.
Highlighting the importance of timely payments, Murungi questioned the destination of NHIF deductions, suggesting a need for improved accountability to prevent healthcare service disruptions.
He urged NHIF to settle all outstanding debts by June to prevent setbacks in the implementation of the new health insurance system.
Additionally, Murungi proposed parliamentary amendments to facilitate patient’s access to medication from various pharmacies, streamlining healthcare logistics and saving time for Kenyans.
During the event, the Kamashinani Foundation, in collaboration with the EK Foundation, donated 900,000 tablets of Cetirizine to mission hospitals, demonstrating their commitment to supporting healthcare institutions.
Murungi emphasized their readiness to address hospitals’ needs, including medical equipment procurement, through collaborative efforts.
Looking ahead, Murungi revealed plans to extend support beyond Meru County to serve hospitals nationwide.
He outlined upcoming initiatives to distribute various medications to hospitals in the coming months, reaffirming their commitment to improving healthcare accessibility across Kenya.
