Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha implored hospitals not to deny treatment to patients with NHIF coverage as the nation transitions to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
Appearing before Senators on Wednesday, CS Nakhumicha addressed concerns about outstanding debts owed to healthcare facilities, assuring that payments would be settled once funds are released by the National Treasury.
“I want to assure facilities that there is no cause and they do not need to disrupt services. Once they have provided services, their claims have been verified and reconciled, they are going to be paid,” Nakhumicha said.
Reports have surfaced indicating that patients presenting NHIF cards have been refused medical services due to the purported failure of the government to settle pending bills, amounting to approximately Sh6 billion. In response, CS Nakhumicha emphasized the importance of uninterrupted healthcare access for patients and pledged to prioritize the settlement of outstanding debts to health facilities.
