Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday highlighted several challenges facing the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), attributing budget constraints in various sectors to the collapse of the Finance Bill, 2024. During a visit to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Prof. Kindiki discussed the progress and difficulties encountered as the country transitions from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA.
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Budget Shortfall Impact:
- The failure of the Finance Bill, 2024, has delayed key plans under SHA due to insufficient funds. However, Prof. Kindiki assured that the government is exploring alternative funding sources through supplementary budgets to maintain essential services, particularly in primary healthcare.
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Improved Service Delivery:
- Patients at KNH have reported faster access to services and quicker approval of bills under the SHA program, showcasing positive outcomes in service delivery despite ongoing challenges.
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Low Registration Numbers:
- Despite SHA’s rollout three months ago, a significant number of Kenyans remain unregistered. The Deputy President urged the public to register, emphasizing that SHA offers valuable health coverage packages, particularly for critical illnesses.
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Challenges in Transition:
- Prof. Kindiki acknowledged administrative and technological challenges during the transition from NHIF to SHA, such as documentation errors. The government is working to resolve these issues to ensure smoother implementation.
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Taifa Care and Critical Illness Fund:
- While the Taifa Care package has been well-received, the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund remains on hold due to its connection with the Finance Bill. The government is exploring alternative ways to fund these crucial healthcare provisions.
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Pending Claims to Healthcare Providers:
- A report from the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) revealed that over half of its member hospitals have not received claims payments in the last three months, with only 42% of hospitals reporting successful payouts.
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Commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC):
- Prof. Kindiki reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring UHC, learning from previous failed attempts, and working towards a sustainable solution that includes input from stakeholders across the health sector.
Focus on Emergency Healthcare and Preparedness:
During his visit, Deputy President Kindiki also emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening emergency healthcare services, a key aspect of healthcare delivery in Kenya.
- Timely Emergency Care: Prof. Kindiki stressed the importance of providing high-quality, timely emergency services to Kenyans in need, viewing emergency healthcare as a critical lifeline.
- Strengthening Nationwide Emergency Response: Health CS Dr. Debra Mlongo Barasa reiterated the ministry’s commitment to enhancing emergency response capabilities as part of the broader UHC strategy.
- Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure: The government is investing in modern healthcare infrastructure and skilled personnel to improve emergency response services and overall healthcare delivery.
- Collaboration for a Robust Healthcare System: Prof. Kindiki emphasized the need for collaboration between various stakeholders to create a strong and efficient healthcare system that supports national development and the well-being of Kenyans.
Implications and Next Steps
The visit underscored the government’s dedication to improving healthcare services, especially emergency care, which aligns with the broader vision of accessible and affordable healthcare for all. However, the success of SHA will depend on resolving existing challenges, including financial constraints, increasing public enrollment, and addressing operational bottlenecks. Continuous collaboration among stakeholders, alongside strategic investments, will be essential to realizing the vision of Universal Health Coverage and ensuring the program’s long-term success.
