Health CS Barasa to bishops: We'll settle Sh2.5bn NHIF arrears by next week
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Bishops had earlier criticised the government for what it called a "culture of lies," asserting that the failure to pay outstanding NHIF dues to faith-based health facilities has severely impacted vulnerable communities.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has refuted claims made by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) regarding billions of shillings allegedly owed to faith-based hospitals through the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
In a statement on Thursday, Barasa termed the allegations "misleading, erroneous, and false," stressing the government's commitment to addressing outstanding debts from the defunct NHIF.
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The KCCB had earlier criticised the government for what it called a "culture of lies," asserting that the failure to pay outstanding NHIF dues to faith-based health facilities has severely impacted vulnerable communities.
The bishops pointed out that several faith-based hospitals, particularly those run by the Catholic Church, were owed substantial amounts in unpaid claims.
However, CS Barasa assured that the government is actively addressing these issues.
"We are fully committed to clearing the historical debts, and in the past month alone, we mobilised Sh7.58 billion to settle these arrears," she said, adding that Sh5.05 billion had already been disbursed to various health providers, including Sh938 million to faith-based facilities.
"The remaining Sh2.5 billion will be disbursed by next week," she confirmed.
SHA responsibility
The Social Health Authority (SHA), which is now responsible for managing health insurance claims, has been tasked with reconciling and paying claims from October and November 2024.
The CS insisted that the government is committed to making timely payments for these claims, which fall under the newly established Social Health Insurance Fund.
"The government commends all Kenyans who have registered with the Social Health Authority," Barasa stated, reiterating that the administration is focused on providing affordable and accessible healthcare.
She also called on all stakeholders, including the Catholic Church, to support the roll-out of the new system.
According to the government, the defunct NHIF had agreements with 8,886 healthcare providers, including public, private, and faith-based institutions, with 312 of these being faith-based organisations.
These facilities represent only 3.5 per cent of all NHIF contracted providers.
The CS noted that despite the historical debts, the government is committed to clearing all outstanding payments.
In response to the KCCB's concerns, Barasa reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to providing transparent and accessible healthcare to all Kenyans, highlighting that efforts are underway to ensure that no provider is left behind in the new system.
"The government has made significant progress in ensuring that all healthcare providers, regardless of ownership, are supported and compensated. We urge everyone, including the Catholic Church, to join us in making healthcare more accessible for all," She added.
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