Hospitals across the country have been directed to continue providing kidney dialysis, cancer treatment, and maternity services amid the ongoing transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA). This directive, issued by SHA’s Acting CEO Elijah Wachira today, aims to reassure the public and address rising concerns about potential service disruptions during the shift to the new healthcare system.
Wachira’s statement emphasized that hospitals should not deny any patient treatment, particularly for essential services such as dialysis and maternity care. This response comes in light of public complaints that many patients were being asked to pay out of pocket for services that were previously covered under NHIF.
Highlights:
- SHA acting CEO Elijah Wachira orders hospitals to continue providing critical healthcare services.
- No patient should be denied dialysis, cancer treatment, or maternity care.
- The transition from NHIF to SHA has caused public anxiety, with patients fearing service disruptions.
Reassuring the Public
In his communication to contracted hospitals, Wachira stressed that kidney dialysis, cancer treatment, and maternity services must continue uninterrupted. “No member will be denied dialysis and cancer services. Maternity services should also not be denied at KEPH level 2 and 3 facilities,” Wachira stated, assuring the public that hospitals must honour their agreements with the SHA.
This announcement followed an outcry on social media, where patients and families voiced their frustrations about being asked to cover costs for treatments that were previously fully funded. The case of DJ Krowbar, a prominent gospel DJ, drew particular attention when he revealed that his wife, who relies on dialysis, was informed that she would have to pay Ksh18,000 weekly for her treatment. His post sparked widespread concern among patients.
Transition Concerns
The ongoing transition from NHIF to SHA marks a monumental shift in Kenya’s healthcare landscape. Health officials have acknowledged the challenges involved in the switch, with many patients expressing fear about losing access to critical medical services. The NHIF system, which is being phased out, previously covered millions of Kenyans, including over four million people suffering from kidney disease and thousands of cancer patients.
Wachira’s directive comes as the government pushes ahead with plans to register all Kenyans under SHA, with a goal of generating Ksh148 billion annually to fund healthcare services. Beginning today, patients visiting public hospitals will be required to re-register under the SHA system to continue receiving medical services.
Government’s Response
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, speaking before the Departmental Committee on Health, acknowledged the transition challenges but reiterated that SHA will significantly improve Kenya’s healthcare system. Over two million Kenyans have registered with SHA since it launched in July 2024, and the government is aiming to secure full enrollment.
Despite this progress, lawmakers have voiced concerns about SHA’s preparedness. A failed trial run of the Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System (IHTS) in Marsabit and Tharaka Nithi counties raised doubts about the system’s ability to handle the transition smoothly. Critics have compared the SHA rollout to the troubled Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) implementation, warning that the government may be rushing the process without adequate groundwork.
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Still, SHA officials remain optimistic that the new system will benefit Kenya’s healthcare infrastructure in the long run. Health Director-General Patrick Amoth has stated that the SHA initiative is backed by extensive research and will eventually lead to more efficient and equitable healthcare access for all Kenyans.