Health Cabinet Secretary Doborah Barasa has addressed concerns over the high medical costs incurred by Baby Ariana’s family, acknowledging the financial burden placed on them by the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Ariana, who was diagnosed with Pearson Syndrome (PS), a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder, died while receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
According to a report by Nation, health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai had in 2024 promised to personally direct his team to settle a Ksh500,000 claim as outlined in the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF’s) overseas package.
Baby Arianna Wairimu at the time was receiving treatment at Fortis Memorial Hospital in New Delhi, India.
However, following her death, the family revealed that SHA had paid only Ksh23,600 towards a Ksh1.6 million bill, leaving the family overwhelmed by the huge financial burden.
Arianna Wairimu was one year and seven months old when she passed on.
Also Read: Baby Stuck in ICU Over SHA Confusion Dies
Health CS Deborah Barasa Responds
In response, the Health CS extended condolences to the family, while acknowledging the challenges in managing rare diseases like Pearson Syndrome, which affects only 10 known patients globally.
Further, the CS noted that the Ministry of Health is actively working on improving coverage for such conditions under the emergency and chronic illness fund.
“For the case of baby Ariana, yes the ministry acknowledges and we send our condolences to our family. It was a challenge seeing that Pearson Syndrome (PS) is a rare condition and only 10 people in the entire world have this disease.
“We are looking into a way and reviewing this condition. The diagnosis, treatment, management etc,” she said while responding to questions before parliament on Wednesday, February 26.
Also Read: Despair as ICU Patient is Forced to Go Home After Doctors Strike
Additionally, CS Deborah said that the amount covered by SHA in Baby Arianna’s case was an improvement from the previous Ksh4,600 per day that was being paid by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Also, she said that the fund’s contribution had been increased to Ksh28,000.
“When it comes to the management of the baby, you notice that the previous NHIF cover was Ksh4,600 for ICU. But I can assure you that the ministry has been advocating and pushing so that our emergency and chronic illness fund is improved.
“We are happy to announce that after reviewing, it has been improved to Ksh28, 000. That way gradually we will improve. We have a team that will be reviewing the benefits package gradually to ensure that Kenyans are accessing services,” added the CS.
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