The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health, chaired by Endebess MP Robert Pukose, has called on the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to immediately lift the licence suspensions of 12 out of the 15 health facilities that were suspended in connection with the ‘NHIF heist’. Additionally, the committee has urged the NHIF to settle all outstanding verifiable claims owed to these facilities.
In a statement on July 4, MP Robert Pukose emphasized the need for a swift resolution to the suspensions, which have adversely affected healthcare delivery in the affected facilities. “The immediate lifting of licence suspensions is crucial to ensure that these health facilities can resume their operations and continue providing essential healthcare services to the public,” Pukose stated.
The ‘NHIF heist’ involved allegations of fraudulent activities that led to the suspension of the licences of 15 health facilities. Following investigations, the committee has determined that 12 of these facilities should have their suspensions lifted, citing the need to avoid further disruption to healthcare services.
Furthermore, the committee has requested that the NHIF expedite the payment of all outstanding verifiable claims to the affected facilities. “It is imperative that NHIF honours its obligations and clears all pending claims to ensure the financial stability of these health facilities and the continuation of quality healthcare services,” Pukose added.
The committee’s recommendations aim to address the immediate challenges faced by the healthcare sector while ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of NHIF funds. The resolution of these issues is expected to restore public confidence in the healthcare system and improve access to medical services.
The NHIF is yet to respond to the committee’s recommendations. However, the directive has been welcomed by healthcare providers and stakeholders, who have expressed hope that the swift implementation of these measures will alleviate the current challenges faced by the affected facilities.
This development underscores the ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to oversee and improve the healthcare sector in Kenya, ensuring that public health services remain accessible and efficient. The committee’s actions reflect a commitment to addressing systemic issues within the NHIF and enhancing the overall integrity of healthcare funding and delivery.
