Lawmakers have called on the National Government to enhance public education and fast track resolving  challenges affecting the implementation National of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

This follows a motion sponsored by Hon. Lilia Gogo highlighting the struggles faced by patients requiring urgent treatment, like cancer and renal care, who have experienced delays due to funding and operational issues. 

"Honourable Speaker, while SHIF's objective is noble, the rollout has encountered challenges, including delays in treatment and funding," said Hon. Lilian Gogo  "Patients are forced to pay out of pocket due to technical issues, imposing financial strain on those unable to afford it."

Her call was met with support from Members of Parliament, the Leader of the Minority Party, Hon. Junet Mohamed stating, "This matter is timely. It touches on the lives of Kenyans."

Chairperson of the Health Committee, Hon. Dr. Robert Pukose clarified SHIF's structure, noting it is part of a larger framework governed by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which administers SHIF, the Emergency Chronic and Critical Care Fund, and the Primary Healthcare Fund. 

Dr. Pukose added that, "We have had challenges of private hospitals in terms of accepting and running this programme but in the four major referral hospitals, there's no single patient who has gone there and been turned away."

Speaking on the the plight of patients requiring critical treatments, Hon. Lilian Gogo acknowledged patients in her Constituency faced significant delays, stating, “In the past month, many patients who were previously covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) are now struggling to receive treatment due to technical issues and delayed disbursements by the Social Health Authority (SHA).”

Hon. Makali Mulu pointed out the lack of a pilot phase before the full implementation, noting, “When introducing a new programme, there’s always what you call the piloting phase. This wasn’t done, and as a result, our people are now suffering from a hasty rollout.”

Oh his part, Hon. Wilberforce Oundo reminded the House of the need to address NHIF’s legacy debts, which have discouraged hospitals from participating in SHIF. "It’s essential that the Executive assures hospitals that NHIF liabilities will be managed, so they can continue providing services without additional financial strain."

MPs also voiced concerns over the inadequate public education on the Social Health Authority. Hon. Beatrice Elachi highlighted that while SHIF was well-intentioned citizens were struggling with the transfer due to limited understanding of the program, were now facing undue financial burdens without proper guidance.

Hon. Mary Emase called for a concerted effort to engage and educate Kenyans. She said, “We need to sensitize and educate Kenyans so that they know what SHA is, what the premium entails, how they benefit, and how they pay.”

In support of SHIF, Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah encouraged Members of the National Assembly to champion its enrollment, admitting that "communication and public education strategies may have been lacking, but we can use this platform to inform the public."

Hon. Prof. Guyo Jaldessa suggested holding a "Kamukunji" session to further educate MPs about SHIF, noting, "MPs need a clear understanding of SHIF so they can provide accurate information to Kenyans." With Hon. Mille Odhiambo adding, "We would be cheating ourselves to claim that we fully understand these four health laws and their benefits. The benefits of this programme can not be  visible within a month. We need time and evaluation to truly see SHIF’s impact."

Hon. Sarah Korere called for more stakeholder engagement, pointing out that SHIF’s trust deficit could have been mitigated through collaboration. "SHIF/SHA was well-intentioned but the trust deficit it has brought about, the lack of stakeholder engagement is wanting. 

While addressing the House, Hon. Korere called on the Government to enhance public education. Adding that," We have government officers at every level who could inform the public about SHIF."

In the session, Hon. Robert Pukose revealed that Social Health Authority would work with lawmakers to establish registration points in constituency offices, ensuring citizens can register locally and access services. “This will ensure no Kenyan is left behind,” he affirmed.