Health cabinet secretary Susan Nakhumicha has today flagged off the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) asset verification exercise at Afya house marking a step towards the transition to Social Health Authority (SHA).
According to The CS the verification exercise intends to identify assets and liabilities possessed by NHIF across its headquarters, branches, satellites and huduma centres across the country before transition to SHA.
“While this transition is happening, I want to assure all Kenyans that NHIF is still active and working.” Confirmed the CS adding that, the government’s pledge to have SHA operational by July 1st is still in place with planned registration of households set to commence in May this year.”
The CS assured Kenyans that the verification process is meant to ensure a seamless transition from NHIF to SHA, will uphold accountability and transparency of high standards, noting that it will not compromise service delivery.
“The transition should be unnoticeable to NHIF beneficiaries except for the anticipated improvements in service delivery.”
She commended the MoH for facilitating the payment of pending bills for NHIF ensuring continuous access to services to all Kenyans.
Nakhumicha acknowledged the transition committee’s and cooperating ministries tireless efforts and commitment in ensuring the transition does not interrupt service delivery.
The CS further emphasized, the critical role that health financing plays in attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) highlighting the passage of social health insurance act and creation of funds under SHA as a significant milestone towards achieving this goal.