Reprieve for Kenyans as Health CS Susan Nakhumicha confirmed a new date when contributions under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) will commence.
The contributions which were to start in March will now take effect from July 1st so as to give Kenyans ample time to register under the new scheme from March to June 30th. Those under the retired NHIF scheme will also be required to register for SHIF.
Speaking on Monday from KICC, the CS noted that Kenyans have welcomed the move with an approval rating of 75% to 80 % with the deductions percentage being 2.75% of one’s gross salary.
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She continued by highlighting the need to seal all the loopholes that still stand in between them including those raised by stakeholders on the deduction amount for non-salaries Kenyans.
“The Ministry of Health carried out a significant exercise as key health stakeholders,partners,members of the public and the press met for the National Validation Exercise on Draft Social Health Insurance Regulations, 2024.
Public participation is a crucial aspect of good governance and validation exercise held today at KICC allowed health stakeholders to review the draft regulations to ensure they reflect the views of all kenyans.
The feedback from participants will form the basis of the Social Health Insurance Regulations 2024 which provides for the implementation of the Primary Healthcare fund, Social Health Insurance Fund emergency, chronic and critical illness Fund.” she said
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njoki called on the need to fast track the new scheme in county governments and claims raised by public hospitals should be dealt with speed even though many private hospitals will received quiet a number of SHIF members.
