The National Treasury says it has released Ksh.11.1 billion to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to settle pending bills owed to hospitals.
The development comes after most hospitals in the country outlawed the use of NHIF cards across their facilities owing to the agency’s failure to pay pending bills amounting to Ksh.20 billion.
This forced Kenyans dependent on the NHIF cover to either pay in cash for medical services or forego them entirely.
The Ksh.11.1 billion disbursement by the government now means that NHIF still owes hospitals across the country about Ksh.8.9 billion.
National Treasury Principal Chris Kiptoo, in a statement to newsrooms on Saturday, said the exchequer “is keen on clearing pending bills promptly to ensure the various government departments function optimally.”
Health Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha Wafula, in an earlier statement, lauded the National Treasury for expediting payments owed to the State agency.
In a statement on Twitter on Saturday, CS Nakhumicha commended the exchequer for acting with haste and resolving the issue.
“I wish to thank the National Treasury for remitting funds to NHIF in time to enable settlement of claims by various service providers nationwide,” she stated.
The CS added that NHIF will effective immediately settle the pending bills owed to the hospitals, further noting that the agency will do so in a prudent and accountable manner.
“As such, all claims will be thoroughly verified before settlement to enable us utilize the available resources in the best way possible,” added Nakhumicha.
“In the meantime, I wish to request all facilities to resume services to Kenyans as disbursements continue. The Ministry remains committed to the pledge of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and will ensure that NHIF executes its mandate with utmost objectivity, transparency and excellence, towards the Afya Mashinani promise.”
