The government will refund Sh9,500 to an elderly Nakuru man who was denied dialysis after being asked to pay in cash, after the National Health Insurance Fund transitioned to the Social Health Authority.
The challenge moved Kanyore to tears as the hospital required him to pay Sh9,500 for his treatment despite government having said no NHIF patient who was yet to migrate to SHA should be asked to pay from pocket.
Speaking on Sunday, SHA Director, Corporate Services, Ibrahim Alio said they followed up the case.
“We have seen some patients who have been crying out and suffering, an example was the man who cried on the TV, and we followed up with the patient immediately,” he said.
“In the next session, he will not go through any problem. His next session will be on Monday and we have agreed to refund Sh9,500 paid by him to the facility,” Alio added.
Kanyore’s dilemma was highlighted on Citizen TV; he became emotional and shed tears while asking for help to get his medical services.
“Nimeambiwa niende niambie watu wetu watoe pesa Sh9,500, lakini mimi ni mzee sina pesa, sina mahali ya kuomba,” he said while tearing up.
(I have been told to tell my people to pay Sh9,500, but I’m old and I don’t have money. I have nowhere I can borrow)
A section of Kenyans shared similar grievances and how they failed to acquire medical services after the migration from NHIF to SHA.
The government on October 1, 2024, rolled out SHA and on October 2, migrated all NHIF accounts to the new scheme.
The government assured that contributions made to NHIF will remain secure as the system transitions to the new Social Health Authority (SHA).
The Ministry of Health on Sunday announced that at least 12,704,548 Kenyans have so far registered with SHA.
The number includes verified members who were under the defunct National Health Insurance Fund and have been transitioned to SHA.
Health PS Harry Kimtai said 10,904 end users have been trained, enrolled and their credentials sent.
PS Kimtai asked Kenyans to register and add their dependants for them to access healthcare services.
“Registration is a continuous process and is ongoing through the USSD *147# or web-based portal on www.sha.go.ke or www.afyayangu.go.ke. We have also noted that most beneficiaries are registering but not adding their dependents,” he said.
