Govt releases Sh9 billion to SHA for Linda Mama and outstanding bills

The Ministry of Health has disbursed Sh9 billion to the Social Health Authority to help reduce outstanding debts owed to health facilities, Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai announced on Tuesday.

According to Kimtai, the funds, set to reach facilities by the end of the week, include Sh1 billion designated for the Linda Mama programme, which provides free maternal healthcare.

The debts primarily stem from services rendered under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) prior to the establishment of the SHA.

Private health facilities, which provide half of all healthcare services in the country, have been compelled to ask patients to pay in cash due to ongoing issues with the SHA's IT system and unpaid debts by the government.

PS Kimtai emphasised the government's commitment to resolving these challenges.

"We're committed to addressing challenges to ensure no patient is turned away," he said during the inauguration of the Rift Region Multi-Sectoral Committee in Nakuru County, which is responsible for coordinating SHA registration efforts across the region.

Recent concerns were raised by faith-based health institutions, including the Christian Health Association of Kenya, the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims.

These organisations reported a significant reduction in their services due to a Sh7 billion debt owed to them by the NHIF, with outstanding follow-ups regarding debts from the EduAfya and Linda Mama programs still unresolved.

Kimtai noted that NHIF collectively owes around Sh30 billion to all healthcare facilities, with counties accounting for Sh12 billion of that amount.

The defunct NHIF headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi. (Photo: File)

Just last week, an additional Sh4 billion was disbursed to health facilities.

In support of the SHA's implementation, the government has signed 26 agreements with the Council of Governors (CoG) to enhance medical equipment services in public facilities, deploying 70 technical officers to assist county healthcare facilities.

Despite the allocation of funds, cancer patients have continued to express frustration, as many are still required to pay out-of-pocket for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other essential services at private and mission hospitals.

Although the SHA has empaneled at least 55 private and faith-based comprehensive cancer centres, many report ongoing difficulties with the new IT system, resulting in a lack of access to patient information and necessitating immediate cash payments.

Phoebe Ongadi, the executive director of the Kenyan Network of Cancer Organisations, highlighted the urgency of the situation: "The current situation is untenable and jeopardises the health of cancer patients across the country. The government and SHA must act swiftly to protect the lives and well-being of these patients by addressing the outlined concerns."

Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, with approximately 44,700 new cases and 29,300 deaths reported annually.

Prisca Githuka, chairperson of the Cancer Survivors Association of Kenya, noted that many cancer patients, often diagnosed in late stages, depend on timely treatment access for their survival.

The advocates are calling on the government to restore full access to cancer services, ensuring no patient is denied care or required to pay upfront.

They also request the resumption of coverage for overseas cancer treatment for patients unable to receive specialised care locally.

In their joint statement, they urged the government and SHA to provide transparent information regarding oncology packages, including premium amounts, payment options, and coverage details throughout the cancer care continuum.