By Lauryne Akoth
Health CS Susan Nakhumicha has guaranteed the settlement of Kshs 8.5 Billion in outstanding NHIF claims this week.
Speaking at the senate on Wednesday, she clarified that the outstanding amount owed to NHIF amounts to Kshs 30 billion, with Kshs 22 billion stemming from government institutions. She mentioned having discussions with the president and the Treasury regarding this matter, and they reached a mutual solution.
“Having had this discussion chaired by the president, the ministry of treasury, and the Ministry of Health, there is a plan for the release of resources, which I have confirmed that we are going to receive this week, the PS got the confirmation yesterday of the 8.5B. This money is going to be put in the prudent use of payment of claims,” confirmed the CS.
The health CS also went ahead to plead with hospitals not to turn away patients using NHIF cards assuring that once their claims have been verified and reconciled, they will receive payments.
Nakhumicha linked the delay in settling claims to delays within the exchequer.
“I also want to confirm that we have had a delay of the exchequer which has given rise to the many huge bills being experienced across the country. We have received confirmation from the Treasury that the funds will be released this week,” the CS assured Senators.
Her announcement comes as a relief to several patients under the health insurance scheme after private hospitals declined to treat patients using the card.
The Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) made good on its threat to cease offering health care services to NHIF members opting to treat patients on a cash payment.
RUPHA noted that the policy was due to the delayed receipt of capitation funds for healthcare services from the National Health Insurance Fund bringing most hospitals to the brink of collapse.