Ministry of Health addresses public concerns over SHA rollout and transition process

The Ministry of Health has affirmed that the transition of existing NHIF members to Social Health Insurance (SHA) is legal, as stipulated in Legal Notice 147 of 2024. The Ministry encourages all members to verify and update their personal information to ensure a seamless transition.

Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai on Thursday addressed public concerns surrounding the SHA rollout, which commenced on October 1. This clarification comes after many Kenyans expressed unease about the migration process occurring without their explicit consent.

Kimtai noted that the Ministry has received several inquiries regarding the transition from NHIF to SHA.

“We wish to clarify that, as per Legal Notice 147, the Ministry of Health states that transitioning existing NHIF members to SHA is lawful. This legal notice provides for the transition of all registered and verifiable members, who are encouraged to verify their information.”

He emphasised that this process ensures continuity of care and encourages members to update their profiles and the list of their dependents.

The ministry has addressed key areas, which include:

Patient Discharge Protocols: The Ministry has assured that all patients admitted under the NHIF system before October 20 will be discharged using the existing NHIF framework. Importantly, no patient should be detained in healthcare facilities due to this transition.

Concerns Over Enrollment: The Ministry has received numerous inquiries regarding the migration from NHIF to SHA. In response, they clarified that this transition is indeed lawful under Legal Notice 147.

Ensuring Continuity of Care: The Ministry emphasises the importance of maintaining continuity in healthcare services during this transition. Members are encouraged to update their profiles and the details of their dependents to avoid any disruptions in service delivery.

Service Provision Enhancements: To address the increased demand for healthcare systems, technical teams are working diligently around the clock. These efforts aim to enhance service delivery, and the Ministry reassures Kenyans that they can expect an increasingly smooth experience as improvements are implemented.

Broader Service Offerings: SHA is designed to provide a wider range of services compared to NHIF, ensuring enhanced access to healthcare across all levels. The Ministry is committed to ensuring that there are no disruptions in services throughout this transition period.

Access to Healthcare Facilities: All public health facilities, as well as over 60 per cent of private healthcare providers, have entered into contracts with SHA. These facilities are expected to offer services without interruption. An updated list of contracted health facilities is available on the SHA website, which will be regularly revised to reflect any changes or additions.

Enhanced Public Communication: As the SHA initiative is rolled out, the Ministry is dedicated to improving public education and communication efforts. They are expanding their outreach through Community Health Promoters, officials from both National and County Governments, and healthcare workers across multiple platforms. This initiative aims to keep the public well-informed and engaged during this significant transition.

“We are committed to ensuring that every Kenyan understands this transition and feels supported. Our goal is to enhance healthcare access for all, without any disruptions.”

The Ministry of Health notes that it is committed to ensuring that the transition to SHA is as smooth as possible while addressing any concerns from the public.