- Mwaura condemned hospitals demanding cash payments from patients even after Social Health Authority (SHA) approvals, terming it illegal and sabotaging the universal healthcare initiative, TAIFA Care.
- He called for transparency in healthcare and urged providers to uphold integrity, stressing that SHA benefits all Kenyans.
- Highlighted past issues in NHIF, attributing challenges to fictitious claims and promising fair and prompt payment processing under SHA.
- Urged clinical officers to resolve grievances without strikes, emphasizing collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, Government Spokesperson Mwaura criticized hospitals demanding cash payments despite SHA approvals, calling the practice dishonest and a sabotage of the government’s TAIFA Care initiative.
“This dishonest behavior by some hospitals is both illegal and fraudulent. When procedures are approved by the SHA, yet patients are forced to pay cash, it sabotages the system and imposes unnecessary financial burdens on Kenyans,” Mwaura stated.
He emphasized the need for healthcare providers to operate transparently, stressing that the SHA program is designed for the benefit of all Kenyans, not just the government.
“I call upon those in the healthcare sector to refrain from frustrating this process. It’s not just about the government—it’s about every Kenyan. Transparency is key to ensuring that TAIFA Care works effectively for everyone,” he added.
NHIF Challenges and System Reforms
Mwaura highlighted ongoing reforms to streamline healthcare payments, noting past issues within the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) due to fictitious claims and lack of transparency.
“NHIF had become a cash cow, but as a government, we are committed to addressing this issue. The problem lies in the disparity between what the SHA approves and what patients are asked to pay. We are fixing this to ensure claims are processed fairly and promptly,” he explained.
Clinical Officers’ Strike Notice
Addressing a strike notice issued by clinical officers over exclusion from SHA pre-authorization, Mwaura urged patriotism and collaboration with the Ministry of Health to address grievances.
“Strikes and disruptions only harm Kenyans, and we cannot continue down that path. We have shown goodwill in addressing challenges, including resolving issues with intern doctors, and remain committed to honoring agreements,” he said.
The government, Mwaura assured, remains focused on enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and transparency. Efforts include resolving connectivity hitches at facilities like Kenyatta National Hospital and ensuring patients can track payments for medication.
“This is about building a robust healthcare system that works for every Kenyan. Let’s put the citizens first and uphold the principles of TAIFA Care,” Mwaura concluded.
