The government has pledged free medication to Kenyans who are registered to the new Social Health Authority when they seek treatment at level two or three facilities. According to the ministry of Health, currently at least 13.4 million Kenyans have enrolled to Social Health Authority.
Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah said out of the total registered persons, approximately 7.2 million transitioned from the phased out National Health Insurance Fund while 6.2 million are new entrants.
“I’m pleased to note that so far 13,344,674 Kenyans have registered. Among these are 7,152,487 who transitioned from NHIF and 6,192,188 new registrations”, Dr. Barasa explained.
In an interview at her Afya House office in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary also revealed that 29,598 employers in addition to 7,411 health care providers are further registered.
She said SHA beneficiaries seeking medical services at level two and three facilities across the country will receive treatment at no cost.
“SHA registrants will benefit from free treatment at level two and three facilities and have access to essential services under the emergency critical illness funds”, said the Cabinet Secretary.
Dr. Barasa noted that under the SHA claims benefit analysis, the government has incorporated a whooping Ksh. 102.8 million to cater for mental wellness services.
“Under the claims benefit analysis, the top ten services provided within SHA in the first month included mental wellness services which was not previously under NHIF amounting to Ksh.102.8 million”, she reiterated.
The Cabinet Secretary said other services are outpatient services amounting to 273.8 million, inpatient services 774.9 million and renal care services 244.4 million as well as Haemato-oncology services, maternal neonatal and
child health services.
Dr. Barasa said the Ministry has put in place adequate measures to facilitate swift processing of claims within 90 days.
“Moving forward, claims will be processed within 90 days to maintain sustainability and responsiveness in healthcare service provision”, she said.
The Cabinet Secretary said SHA system is now fully operationalized, stating that the initial technical issues are being effectively resolved to guarantee smooth service delivery.
She pointed out that a dedicated multidisciplinary team has been mobilized at regional and county level to support and optimize coverage in all healthcare facilities, ensuring continuity of service delivery under SHA.
The Cabinet Secretary said SHA registration, which is open to all Kenyans, ensures that everyone, regardless of location or background, can access quality healthcare.
“The system is designed to be universally inclusive, meaning that public, private and faith-based healthcare facilities across Kenya operate under the same SHA guidelines, standards, and services. This consistency ensures that registered individuals receive the same quality of care and benefits”, added Dr. Barasa.
The Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans who are yet to register with SHA to do so, saying it will help them to access comprehensive healthcare services.
To enroll, any interested person is required to dial USSD Code *147#, or online portals Afya Yangu.go.ke. or SHA.go.ke.
