By Peter Orengo
A caretaker board recently appointed to streamline activities of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has assured the public that health services were not affected by recent controversy.
In a statement, board CEO Adan A. Adan said services will continue normally as they look into issues surrounding implementation of civil servants and disciplined services scheme.
The board clarified the civil servants scheme was still on course and that only two health providers, namely, Meridian and Clinix, were affected by recent challenges. “In view of emerging issues, NHIF board has resolved to suspend payments to Clinix and Meridian pending in-depth investigations, but services will continue,” said Adan. He said other facilities countrywide have been delivering services as per existing contracts.
The caretaker board clarified that civil servants and disciplined services scheme has four components namely enhanced in-patient medical cover, outpatient medical cover, group life and last expense.
affordable medical care
Of these four components, the only one facing challenges is the outpatient medical cover.
“It should also be noted that NHIF has been running an in-patient scheme for 46 years. This aspect of NHIF operations has not been affected by recent controversies. Members continue to access in-patient medical care from accredited facilities without any hitches,” said Adan.
As investigations progress, he said NHIF will continue to keep the public informed on the outcome.
Adan said a revised list of service providers will be circulated by June 4 so that members can choose preferred facilities. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Raila Odinga assured that only well-equipped medical facilities will receive tenders for the civil servants’ scheme. He said the Government is determined to solve NHIF scam before restructuring it so that Kenyans can benefit from a comprehensive and affordable medical care.
“It is our dream that every Kenyan should have access to quality, all-inclusive and affordable health care. This is a responsibility of the government,” said the Prime Minister.
