Health CS Barasa put to task over NHIF-SHIF transition

Health CS Deborah Barasa defended the new health scheme and repeatedly reiterated its importance as one of President William Ruto’s flagship projects. [File, Standard]

Members of Parliament and Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on Tuesday held a Kamukunji (informal) meeting over the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) following sustained criticism of the scheme by the public.

Barasa, who had appeared before the legislators to give a progress report on the implementation of the scheme, was confronted with hard questions over what has been a chaotic switch from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHIF, and the tragic realities of the healthcare system at the grassroots level.

The meeting took place between 12 pm and 2 pm.

Leader of the Majority, Kimani Ichung’wah, pointed out that the new SHIF system was susceptible to system failures and slow speeds, emphasising the need for remedies. In the wake of the negative publicity its rollout has received, he called on the CS to intensify public sensitisation efforts.

“You need to do a lot of public sensitisation on the benefits of the Social Health Insurance Fund. As you say, this is lacking among the public, and you have partners in Members of Parliament. Use the MPs and their constituencies, as well as the Senators, who are the defenders of our county governments,” said Ichung’wah.

The Kikuyu MP also spoke to the standoff between the national and county governments over the administration of health services. Previously, the counties have accused the national government of not fully devolving all health functions and clawing back on some of the functions allocated to counties.

“They (Senators) will tell you that none of our governors appreciate that the facility improvement fund is going to help the counties. We have an opportunity to have money going to counties based on how many people are registered to a particular facility and being attended to,” he added.

Public service

Minority Chief Whip Millie Odhiambo sought to address the plight of workers formerly under the National Health Insurance Fund.

“You have said that NHIF employees have moved to the public service for six months. Can you please clarify what happens to them after the lapse of the six months?” she asked.

Leader of the Majority in the Senate, Aaron Cheruiyot, while acknowledging prior challenges with the NHIF medical scheme, noted that many of them had been addressed through the new medical scheme.

“I know that previously, different facilities would bill NHIF different costs for the same procedure. And because we are being deducted a lot of money, can you confirm to members that costs have now been standardised? If I have a CT scan at Nairobi Hospital or Mbagathi Hospital, will SHIF pay the same amount to both institutions?” he asked.

Barasa, however, came to the defence of the new health scheme and repeatedly reiterated its importance as one of President William Ruto’s flagship projects.

“There are many patients who are forced to go back home after seeking treatment because they cannot afford it, especially in hard-to-reach areas. I would urge you to look at the bigger picture, which is the achievement of affordable, accessible, quality healthcare for all Kenyans, leaving no one behind. That is what we are pushing for, and that’s why we are seeking your support as members,” said the CS.

Painting a grim picture of the country’s current fiscal space, she further pleaded for the public’s understanding and patience, stating that the new scheme would be efficiently implemented.