The MINISTER of Health, Susan Nakhumicha, on Wednesday called on health centers in the country to serve patients who use the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) stressing that the government will pay the debts of the fund.
The minister said this yesterday when he appeared in front of the entire parliamentary session to answer questions about the doctors’ strike among other issues.
He noted that the debt owed by various health centers to the NHIF will be paid as soon as the National Treasury releases the funds.
“I want to assure the health centers in the country that we will pay all the debts. So there is no need to deny services to patients who use the NHIF card. We are currently waiting for funds from the National Treasury,” he said.
Nakhumicha revealed that the National Treasury is expected to release Sh8.5 billion soon, which will be used to pay the debts that various health centers claim.
This is happening amid reports that patients with NHIF cards are being denied medical services due to alleged government debt arrears totaling about Sh6 billion.
The health Federation in the country last month said that if the government does not pay the debts then patients who use the NHIF card will have to pay for their treatment.
The federation said that those who arrive at hospitals or health centers with the card will be required to pay cash to be served.
This is happening while the government is preparing to implement the Social Health Fund (SHIF) Act.
However, Minister Nakhumicha maintained that Kenyans will continue to pay NHIF until SHIF is implemented.
At the same time, the minister said that he cannot give a specific time or date when the strike of doctors in the country will be resolved.
“Yes, we are aware of the ongoing crisis in the country. I cannot give a specific date or time when the strike will end. We are trying our best and right now, we are in the negotiation process,” CS Nakhumicha told the Senate.
The strike was Initiated by doctors on March 15, 2024.
