The government has released KSh9 billion to the Social Health Authority (SHA) to address outstanding bills incurred by healthcare facilities under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, says that facilities will receive the funds, including an additional KSh1 billion for the Linda Mama Program, by the end of the week.

This announcement comes 29 days after the rollout of SHA, with the principal secretary insisting that the Ministry is committed to actualising timely claim payments by addressing challenges to ensure no patient is denied services.

PS Kimtai made these remarks in Nakuru County on Tuesday, October 29 during the inauguration of the Rift Region Multi-Sectoral Committee, which includes County Executive Committees (CECs) and County Commissioners from Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Turkana, Narok, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Samburu, Elgeyo, and Nakuru.

With the committee tasked with steering registration efforts for SHA, PS Kimtai ecouraged County Governments to sensitize Kenyans on the new health scheme.

“We’re committed to addressing challenges to ensure no patient is turned away,” PS Kimtai affirmed. 

In support of SHA’s rollout, the government has signed 26 agreements with the Council of Governors (CoG) to enhance medical equipment services in public facilities and has deployed 70 technical officers to assist county healthcare facilities.

Counties, PS Kimtai says, must take ownership to drive this initiative effectively.