NAIROBI, Kenya- In a major boost for healthcare facilities across Kenya, the government will release Sh1.5 billion this week to clear outstanding claims owed by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
According to Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, another Sh3 billion will be disbursed next week, ensuring that all pending claims are settled.
PS Kimtai emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the backlog of NHIF claims.
He assured that all claims owed by the NHIF will be paid in full, adding, “We are optimistic that we will settle all the claims.” In a bid to enhance transparency, a committee will be formed to oversee the entire payment process.
Moreover, with NHIF liabilities now falling under the Social Health Authority (SHA), the payment system has been fully digitized.
Healthcare facilities can now submit claims through a digital portal that allows real-time monitoring. As of Monday, over Sh100 million in claims had already been recorded.
Beyond clearing debts, Kimtai highlighted the ongoing digitization of Kenya’s healthcare system.
SHA is not only digitizing health records but also plans to distribute tablets to healthcare workers to streamline operations.
“This will transform our healthcare system,” Kimtai noted, signaling a shift towards more efficient, tech-driven solutions.
Additionally, SHA has introduced e-contracting for healthcare facilities, replacing the previously manual process. Healthcare providers are encouraged to set up customer service desks to help Kenyans register with SHA, ensuring smoother access to healthcare services.
