•Even though the CS did not disclose how much had been released, the government owes NHIF more than Sh20 billion
•She called on all facilities to resume services to Kenyans as the disbursement process continues
Image: FILE
Normalcy is expected to resume in various hospitals across the country after the National Treasury released the funds the government owes the National Health Insurance Fund.
This comes barely a day after Health CS Susan Wafula admitted that the NHIF was struggling to meet its obligation over what she termed as the government is broke.
This is after patients across the country failed to access healthcare services after most facilities declined to accept NHIF cards for failure by the insurer to clear reimbursements of the medical claims.
But in what comes as a sigh of relief, Health CS on Saturday announced the National Treasury had released the funds owed to NHIF and that the process to settle claims by facilities had begun immediately.
Even though the CS did not disclose how much had been released, the government owes NHIF more than Sh20 billion.
She called on all facilities to resume services to Kenyans as the disbursement process continues.
“I wish to thank the National Treasury for remitting funds to the NHIF in time to enable settlement of claims by various service providers nationwide,” the CS said.
The CS however said the process will be undertaken with a high level of accountability noting that all claims will be thoroughly before settlement can be made.
“All claims will be thoroughly verified before settlement to enable us to utilise the available resources in the best way possible,” she said.
She reiterated the ministry’s commitment to delivering on the Universal Health Coverage pledge noting that she will ensure that NHIF executes its mandate with utmost objectivity and transparency.
There have been reports that NHIF has been struggling to remain afloat due to the huge amount of money yet to be disbursed by the Treasury.
This has in turn affected operations in various hospitals across the country with Faith Based health facilities and those in rural areas bearing the brunt.