The government has enrolled nearly 9,000 healthcare facilities nationwide under the Social Health Assurance (SHA) initiative.
According to Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, these include 4,760 public and government facilities, 2,498 private institutions, 1,442 faith-based organizations, 17 community facilities, and 86 other healthcare providers nationwide.
Further, Mwaura says the move aims to enhance healthcare in the transition phase from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
“This extensive enrolment signifies the collective commitment of Kenyan citizens toward an equitable, accessible, and resilient healthcare system,” he said.
He also asserted that the government has contracted 55 cancer care providers and 184 renal care health providers across various regions to further bolster support for cancer and dialysis patients.
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Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai announced that the government has already disbursed Kes 4.5 billion for SHIF, with another similar amount expected to be released soon.
This comes amid increasing public scrutiny, with many reporting that some health facilities require upfront payments before treatment is administered.
Kimtai cautioned health facilities contracted under the Social Health Authority (SHA) to refrain from asking for upfront payments from patients.