Government Acknowledges Challenges in Transition from NHIF to Social Health Authority System

The government acknowledges challenges in implementing the new Social Health Authority (SHA) system, which has replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and urged Kenyans to be patient as technical teams address operational issues.

Kimtai noted that hospitals are facing financial difficulties due to outstanding payments from the previous NHIF system. NHIF has accumulated debts of approximately Ksh30 billion, with counties alone owed between Ksh8 billion and Ksh12 billion.

To address this, Kimtai announced the immediate release of Ksh1.5 billion, with an additional Ksh3 billion to be disbursed next week. He assured that all outstanding payments would be cleared within 90 days.