SHA will lift the health burden unlike NHIF, Duale tells Senate

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has put up a case before the Senate on why the Social Health Authority is better placed to handle Kenyans medical needs compared to defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund.

Mr Duale was answering questions in plenary yesterday and said SHA has the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF), Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), which were not there in NHIF. 

The CS said the three funds will ensure healthcare is given attention from prevention, promotion, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care under SHA and Kenyans can access primary health care by just registering. 

“Under NHIF for one to access any benefits one had to register and pay monthly premiums, which left those who have not paid with no benefits. Accessibility of primary health care to all Kenyans with registration will address up to 70 per cent for the health burden,” said Duale. 

Duale said there is no need to pre-select a health facility as the patients are free to go to any SHA contracted facility when they fall ill with comprehensive services provided including health education, diagnosis, treatment, essential laboratory investigations, basic radiology, and chronic disease management. 

“NHIF only focused on curative care with access to services limited to a specific choice of facility, limiting the members from accessing services in case they fall sick away from their selected facilities. Services were limited to four visits per card per year in participating facilities, and to basic services such as consultation, laboratory investigations and minor procedures,” said Duale. 

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He told the House that SHA offers a broader range of outpatient services, making it more valuable for managing chronic conditions and preventive care.

Duale said SHA provides a more comprehensive care package, with focus on preventive and corrective services, making it more beneficial for long-term eye health management with the services including eye health education, eye examination, basic eye medication and eye surgical procedures. 

He said under SHIF in relation to in-patient care, SHA provides more comprehensive care with a clear structure for different levels of facilities and longer coverage duration. 

“NHIF only catered for a negotiated daily rebate charge between a health care provider and NHIF - the NHIF also only covered treatment in government, mission, and some private hospitals, with limits based on hospital categories,” said Duale.