National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health Chairperson Dr Robert Pukose has assured Kenyans that no paid-up National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) members will be denied services during the ongoing transition to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Dr. Pukose explained that the transition from NHIF to SHA is automatic for all members, with official communication being sent via SMS.
“The Ministry of Health has assured that there will be no service interruptions for NHIF members in good standing, and an emergency toll-free line has been established to address any concerns,” said the Endebess MP.
“While there may be initial challenges, the Ministry is fully committed to ensuring that no Kenyan is denied services, provided they are paid-up members,” he added.
The MP issued the assurance during his address to the House on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
“I want to reassure Kenyans and my fellow honorable members that no one will be denied services. The misinformation circulating that the Ministry is not doing enough is unfounded. The Ministry is working diligently, and I urge all Kenyans to note that if you are a paid-up NHIF member, your transition will be seamless, and services will remain uninterrupted,” he added.
MPs concerns over NHIF transition
Dr. Pukose was responding to concerns expressed by Funyula MP Dr. Wilberforce Oundo in Parliament regarding the ongoing transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Dr Oundo highlighted the difficulties his constituents are facing, particularly the validity of NHIF cards at hospitals, which has left many stranded without access to healthcare services.
“I, along with many of my colleagues, have received numerous calls from constituents stranded in hospitals—both public and private—where patients are being told that their NHIF cards are either invalid or unacceptable,” he explained.
The Endebess MP also reassured hospital patients that paid-up NHIF members should not be concerned, as they are being automatically transitioned to the Social Health Authority.
The authority is actively sending SMS notifications to keep members informed about their status, he held.
“They have also established an emergency toll-free line to address any questions or challenges that may arise,” Dr. Pukose added.
