The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Deborah Barasa, has confirmed that the government will begin settling outstanding payments owed to healthcare facilities under the Sustainable Health Agenda (SHA) at the end of November. The payments are part of the government’s ongoing effort to clear the Sh19 billion debt accumulated over time, ensuring that public and private healthcare facilities are compensated for the services they have provided to Kenyans under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme.
Barasa made the announcement during her visit to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOORTH) in Kisumu, where she took the opportunity to evaluate the ongoing rollout of SHA across the country. The program, which aims to provide equitable access to high-quality healthcare for all Kenyans, has been a key focus of the Ministry of Health as it seeks to address healthcare financing and delivery challenges.
“We have paid Sh5 billion of the outstanding Sh19 billion, with an additional Sh2.5 billion set to be disbursed by the end of this week,” Barasa said. She emphasized the government’s commitment to settling the pending bills and prioritizing public health facilities in the disbursement process. JOORTH, a Level 6 (A) referral hospital, has already received part of the pending payment, a milestone Barasa acknowledged with satisfaction.
The CS was optimistic about the progress made so far in settling the debts and affirmed that by the end of November, health facilities under the SHA would receive their first payments, which would help ease the financial burdens faced by many hospitals. This assurance comes at a crucial time as healthcare facilities, particularly those in the public sector, have struggled with financial constraints due to the delayed payments.
Barasa also noted that the process of settling outstanding bills would not only provide financial relief to healthcare providers but also improve the sustainability of the healthcare system by ensuring that services are continuously available to patients. She called for cooperation from all stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including political leaders and healthcare providers, to help mobilize public awareness about the SHA and encourage more Kenyans to register for the program. Registration for SHA ensures that all registered members can access healthcare services at various levels of care, from basic facilities to highly specialized institutions.
In addition to addressing the payments issue, Barasa took the time to inspect various wards and healthcare services at JOORTH, including the Radiotherapy, Maternity, and Cancer Centers. She expressed satisfaction with the progress made at the hospital, which is an essential part of the referral system in the region. However, she also highlighted the need for more equitable distribution of key medical services, such as radiotherapy centers, to ensure that no Kenyan is left behind due to regional disparities in access to healthcare.
“One of the key challenges we are addressing is ensuring that services are evenly distributed across the country,” Barasa said. She emphasized the need for a more decentralized approach to healthcare, with facilities outside Nairobi being equipped with the necessary resources to offer specialized care to patients. She also noted that the Ministry of Health is keen on addressing the shortage of certain specialists, a concern that has been raised by various stakeholders within the healthcare system.
Barasa also focused on maternal health, stressing the importance of ensuring that expectant mothers can access essential healthcare services without barriers. “It is critical that pregnant women are able to receive care at Level 2, 3, and 4 facilities, with no one turned away as long as they are registered with SHA, regardless of their ability to pay,” she said.
The CS reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to expanding healthcare capacity, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that all Kenyans, regardless of their social or economic status, can access affordable and quality healthcare services. She urged political and community leaders to continue advocating for SHA registration to maximize the program’s impact and ensure that every Kenyan benefits from the health services provided.
In conclusion, the government’s commitment to clearing the outstanding healthcare bills and expanding the SHA program is a significant step toward improving the healthcare system in Kenya. The ongoing payments and the continued rollout of SHA are set to enhance access to healthcare services across the country, making healthcare more inclusive and equitable for all.
