SHIF: The Government Is Stalled While Lacking KSh 168b To Launch New Health Insurance

• The administration of President William Ruto intends to launch the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) from October 1, 2024
• Health Minister Deborah Barasa revealed that the government allocated KSh 6.1 billion to the Community Health Authority (SHA), which takes over from the board of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
• However, Barasa noted that the allocation is short of KSh 168 billion needed to launch a new health program

Kenya is seeking additional funding for its new community health insurance scheme.

Health Minister Deborah Barasa revealed that the government allocated only KSh 6.1 billion to the Community Health Authority (SHA) before its establishment on October 1.

How much is needed to launch SHIF?

Addressing journalists in the city Nairobi on Monday, September 23, Barasa noted that the allocation is 4 percent of the KSh 168 billion needed to fully implement the plan.

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“Distributing SHA is a major investment aimed at achieving Universal Health Care (UHC). The government is committed to ensuring the full implementation of the program even as it seeks additional funding,” said Barasa.

The minister emphasized the need to digitize health services in the country with the cooperation of the government and Safaricom PLC.

Safaricom invests KSh 104b in SHIF

The country's leading telecommunications company is part of a consortium contracted to implement the Information Healthcare Technology System (IHTS).

The consortium, comprising Apeiro Limited and Konvergenz Network Solutions, will invest over KSh 104 billion over ten years to launch, maintain and support IHTS.

Safaricom said it will provide digital solutions to strengthen public health facilities, improve transparency in drug supply, and ensure a secure health data infrastructure.

SHIF registration deadline

The Community Health Authority set the last day of enrollment under NHIF on September 30, and payments received on or before October 9 will be sent to the Community Health Authority (SHA).

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Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Elijah Wachira instructed employers and individuals to register with SHIF before October 1 or they will be locked out.

The announcement sparked debate among Kenyans, with some raising concerns about court orders preventing the implementation.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke