Health CS Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa Updates National Assembly on SHIF Transition and Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage
Health CS Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa Updates National Assembly on SHIF Transition and Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage
Health CS Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa Updates National Assembly on SHIF Transition and Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage
Health CS Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa Updates National Assembly on SHIF Transition and Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage

Health CS Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa Updates National Assembly on SHIF Transition and Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage

MoH News / Thu, 11/07/2024 - 18:56

 𝐍𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐢, 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 - 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 - The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, appeared today before the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose, to respond to questions about the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), a critical step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). 

 She was joined by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni; Director General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth; the Chair and CEO of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and senior ministry officials. 

 Dr. Barasa provided key updates on SHIF implementation, noting that over 13.8 million beneficiaries have been registered by November 2024, despite challenges in some counties. The employer registration drive has enrolled 34,748 employers, while 6,517 healthcare facilities are now using the SHA claims portal to streamline claims processing. A report on means testing in eight counties was also presented, showing steady progress. 

Dr. Barasa also highlighted the work of Community Health Promoters (CHPs), who are providing essential health services at the community level. She confirmed that while 100,000 kits have been distributed, 7,831 CHPs are still awaiting equipment. The government is providing stipends of Ksh 5,000 to 107,831 CHPs, though data processing challenges persist.

 Addressing the status of UHC workers hired in 2020, Dr. Barasa confirmed that their contracts have been extended for an additional two years, with some workers already absorbed by counties. Plans for permanent placements are underway for the remaining workforce. 

“The Ministry of Health remains committed to resolving these challenges and ensuring the smooth rollout of SHIF and UHC services across the country, with a focus on enhancing healthcare access for all Kenyans,” Dr. Barasa stated.