The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) has expressed their disapproval of the medical fraud committed by corrupt staff who used the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to siphon public funds.
In a public statement released on Tuesday, June 20, KMA noted that the NHIF scandal undermines the integrity of the health industry and jeopardizes the lives of Kenyans seeking medical attention.
“We believe in upholding the highest standards of medical ethics and professionalism as evidenced by our Code of Conduct, which our members are bound by,” reads the statement in part.
The medical association further stated that it will conduct investigations on its members and those found responsible will be punished within the legal perimeters.
KMA STATEMENT ON MEDICAL FRAUD IN HOSPITALS IN KENYAhttps://t.co/31Upb5498z pic.twitter.com/BE7fLFakX4
— Kenya Medical Association (@KenyaMedics_KMA) June 20, 2023
KMA further called for an imperative and collaborative engagement between the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDU) and the NHIF to prove the fraudulent case and take necessary action against those found culpable.
Likewise, the association called for the protection of whistle-blowers.
“We note that medical ethics and standards are threatened when there is no proper and standardized coordination between the regulator and professional associations,” KMA said.
They further recommended an immediate and urgent need to establish structures that would enhance self-regulation in the health sector to prevent further corruption.
Also Read: Gov’t too broke to remit NHIF money – Health CS Nakhumicha
In addition, KMA urged the public to play the role of a watchdog to the medical staff and report any malicious activities occurring in the health industry.
Nonetheless, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha on Monday, June 19 issued a directive for the immediate suspension of branch managers in places involved in the NHIF scandal.
It is believed that NHIF fraud has been rampant in private hospitals.
The Ministry of Health also issued a directive to have the NHIF system undergo verification to flag off any inconsistencies.
