Government to settle NHIF debts, prioritise small hospitals

Government to settle outstanding debts owed by the now-defunct NHIF. [File, Standard]

The government will settle outstanding debts owed by the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to healthcare providers, prioritising hospitals with claims of Sh10 million and below, President William Ruto has said.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 5, Ruto said the payment will cover 91 per cent of all healthcare facilities contracted by NHIF, which ceased operations on November 22, 2024.

Hospitals with claims exceeding Sh10 million will undergo verification within 90 days before a payment plan is agreed.

"The Cabinet Secretary will gazette the verification committee within a week," said Ruto.

Under the new Social Health Authority (SHA), the government has paid Sh18.2 billion for undisputed claims lodged since SHA's inception on October 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025.

Ruto reaffirmed the government's commitment to Universal Health Coverage, noting that challenges in the Taifa Care programme are being addressed.

"The government is fully committed to providing Universal Health Coverage to every Kenyan without discrimination," said Ruto.