Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has highlighted the difficulties faced by the government in rolling out the Social Health Authority (SHA) program.
In a statement dated Wednesday, November 13, the MP noted that the program’s implementation has been plagued by confusion, which she attributed to critical steps that were missed during the transition phase.
“There is uncertainty about payments of debts owed to hospitals by NHIF. Hence slow uptake of SHA services,” she explained.
“Lack of harmony of functions between county Governments and National Government. Some counties are yet to sign the intergovernmental participatory agreements (IPA).”
Additionally, the lawmaker remarked that the SHA systems had challenges hence affecting operations. In recent weeks, hospitals have been forced to resort back to the manual system following challenges experienced with the digital system.
Patients have also been turned away in some facilities as hospitals fear delays in payment for services rendered.
According to data by SHA, over 14 million Kenyans have registered for the new health cover.
Counties leading in the registration exercise include Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Lamu, and Embu.
