The Social Health Authority (SHA) is working to ensure that all registered beneficiaries have access to free primary healthcare services through the Primary Healthcare Fund. This includes services at Levels 2 (Dispensaries), 3 (Health Centres), and select Level 4 Health Facilities, as well as emergency services across all health facilities. SHA has successfully registered **12,704,548 members**, including those previously verified under the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), following the guidelines set by Legal Notice No. 147 of 2024.
Dr. Brian Lishenga, chairperson of the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA), confirmed that SHA has reassured health facilities that the NHIF portal remains operational, allowing them to resume contracts and provide services to SHA-registered patients. The authority has addressed initial transition challenges and reported that services are now available on the SHA E-claims portal.
Additionally, the Health Insurance Claims System (HICS), which was under the defunct NHIF, is still operational for verifying members, managing claims for patients admitted before October 1, 2024, and handling claims for active enhanced schemes with unexpired contracts.
Despite these reassurances, concerns persist among Kenyans about the transition to SHA, particularly regarding the quality of healthcare services in the new model. The government continues to encourage citizens to adapt to the changes while addressing the issues raised.
