"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.