The government has settled Kes 3.7 billion in pending bills owed to various health facilities through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
During a meeting with faith-based health stakeholders on Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa revealed that this includes Kes 1.4 Billion for the National Health Insurance Fund(NHIF) arrears.
She confirmed significant progress in implementing Taifa Care and rolling out SHA, where over 15.2 million Kenyans are now registered.
Barasa highlighted that through SHA, Kenyans will now have access to free primary healthcare services at public health facilities, as well as contracted private and faith-based facilities.
The program includes 8,336 contracted healthcare facilities, 5,210 government-owned, 319 faith-based, and 2,807 private facilities.
Did you read this?
“The Government’s vision is to ensure that all Kenyans have access to quality and equitable healthcare, while protecting them from financial hardship, regardless of their income or location. The Ministry of Health remains committed to providing affordable and quality healthcare for all Kenyans,” she stated.
The CS emphasized the critical role of faith-based organizations, especially in rural and underserved areas, where they are often the only available healthcare providers.
She commended their efforts and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all Kenyans have access to quality healthcare regardless of their income or location.
“Faith-Based Health Organizations play a critical role in expanding healthcare access, especially in underserved rural areas where they often serve as the nearest healthcare facility. Their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to providing essential services are commendable,” she said.
CS Barasa confirmed that the Ministry has already paid Sh 5.05 billion to healthcare providers, including Sh938.6 million to faith-based health facilities, to address financial obligations inherited from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Further, she said that SHA is reviewing claims from October 2024 and mobilizing additional funds to clear the outstanding payments.
