Health Ministry defends SHIF rollout amid criticism of rushed implementation
The Ministry of Health reports that approximately 1.7 million Kenyans have registered so far.
The Ministry of Health has dismissed claims that the rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is being rushed, despite widespread public opinion suggesting otherwise.
In an interview with Citizen TV on Wednesday, Principal Secretary for Health, Harry Kimtai, emphasised that the public had been involved and informed about the Social Health Insurance Fund.
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"The SHA process is not being rushed; Kenyans were informed and encouraged to register, and there has been extensive public awareness."
Criticism has emerged regarding the benefits and implementation of the scheme, with many questioning the need to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). However, the Ministry of Health insists that the SHA is more comprehensive and provides greater benefits than the NHIF.
The Ministry is set to roll out SHIF on October 1, 2024. In collaboration with the Social Health Authority (SHA), they organised a National Validation Meeting on Social Health Insurance Tariffs and the Benefit Package on Friday, August 30, 2024, at KICC in Nairobi, inviting public participation and feedback.
The Ministry of Health reports that approximately 1.7 million Kenyans have registered so far.
The mass registration of Kenyans for the SHIF began on 1st July 2024, aiming to address the shortcomings of the NHIF and introduce additional services.
Previously, the High Court nullified the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023, which aimed to replace the NHIF, citing insufficient public participation. The court also struck down the Primary Healthcare Act of 2023 and the Digital Health Act of 2023.
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