The Kenyatta National Hospital and two other level 6 hospitals have confirmed the successful implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) program aligning with the government’s long-term plan to provide quality healthcare to Kenyans across the country.
KNH, one of the biggest public referral hospitals not only in Nairobi but the country at large, released a statement on Wednesday, October 2, confirming that the facility had fully operationalized the Emergency Critical and Chronic Illness Fund (ECCIF) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) across both inpatient and outpatient services.
“The implementation of the Social Health Authority at Kenyatta National Hospital is a significant milestone. It aligns with our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare while improving patient satisfaction and health outcomes,” KNH CEO Dr Evanson Kamuri said.
Two other Level 6 hospitals – Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral also rolled out the SHA program.
A Photo of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH)
File
The latest update, means that at least half of Kenya’s Level 6 hospitals are SHIF-ready, with more hospitals expected to adopt the new system in the coming days.
The government has already confirmed that more hospitals will transition to the new system imminently. These include;
- Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital
- Nakuru Level 6 Hospital
- Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital
- Mediheal Hospital and Fertility Centre
On Thursday, the Ministry of Health released a statement clarifying some of the key concerns, including the fate of NHIF members who were admitted under NHIF packages before September 30.
According to the ministry, no patient should be detained in health facilities. The statement also confirmed the patients are entitled to get discharged using the NHIF system.
The ministry further clarified that the law provides for automatic transition into the new system for Kenyans already enrolled for NHIF.
Members who were automatically transitioned into the new system are encouraged to verify, update their profiles and add dependents through official SHA channels at www.sha.co.ke.
SHA provides integrated preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services provided at Level 4, 5, and 6 health facilities.
Since a majority of Kenyans under the previous NHIF system have reported receiving text messages confirming their automatic transition to SHA, the expectation is normal service should resume, particularly after all Level 6 hospitals successfully integrate the SHA system.
A collage of the NHIF offices and the Social Health Authority logo. PHOTO/ Business Daily
