Social Health Authority delivers Sh1.5 billion in services in first month - Health Ministry
By Lucy Mumbi |
In this initial period, SHA delivered a dialysis care package valued at Sh250 million, alongside Sh220 million for cancer treatment, Sh175 million for maternal and infant health, and Sh103 million for mental wellness services.
The Ministry of Health has reported that the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) provided Sh1.5 billion worth of services to Kenyans in health facilities within its first month of operation.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa stated that under the SHA claims benefit analysis, the top 10 services claimed in the first month included outpatient services, inpatient services, and renal services, among others.
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In this initial period, SHA delivered a dialysis care package valued at Sh250 million, alongside Sh220 million for cancer treatment, Sh175 million for maternal and infant health, and Sh103 million for mental wellness services.
The Ministry emphasised that this financial commitment underscores SHA’s significant role in improving health outcomes for Kenyans.
"The government is dedicated to enhancing access to essential services and bolstering the national healthcare system," Barasa said.
Since its enrollment began on October 1, 2024, Brasa indicated that SHA has seen a 44 per cent increase in registered members. She noted that the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) system has now registered a total of 13 million Kenyans, marking an increase of 4 million new members.
The growth includes over 10,600 visits for maternal and child care, supporting both normal and caesarean deliveries. Outpatient services reported over 21,000 visits, while inpatient services attracted more than 28,000 visits, showcasing the comprehensive nature of SHA’s offerings.
For individuals with kidney conditions, the CS noted that SHA has provided over 15,800 dialysis sessions, and mental wellness support has recorded 265 visits since enrollment.
UHC system
Additionally, she said, a total of 4,520 public and government facilities have signed on to the universal healthcare system, along with 2,540 private facilities, 549 faith-based facilities, 17 community-based facilities, and 76 additional facilities.
She assured SHA members that they would have immediate access to a variety of healthcare services upon enrollment, with no waiting periods.
SHA provides primary healthcare services at level 2 and level 3 facilities nationwide, allowing members to receive preventive and basic care at no extra cost.
The model is particularly beneficial for low-income earners and those in remote areas, where access to quality health facilities has historically been limited.
Under the new SHIF, all workers contribute 2.75 per cent of their salaries, a departure from the NHIF system it replaced.
Previously, contributions for salaried employees ranged from Sh150 to Sh1,700 monthly, while self-employed Kenyans paid Sh500. The NHIF had capped contributions at Sh1,700 for those earning Sh100,000 or more.
The SHIF now requires those earning Sh20,000 to contribute Sh550, while individuals with salaries of Sh50,000 and Sh100,000 will pay Sh1,375 and Sh2,750 respectively.
Higher earners face increased deductions, with those earning Sh200,000 contributing Sh5,500, and those with a monthly income of Sh1 million or more paying up to Sh27,500.
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