Senior Government Economic Advisor Moses Kuria on Friday, October 4 asked patients to report hospitals that are demanding them to pay for the medical services.
His statement came days after the Social Health Authority (SHA) rollout on October 1, and various concerns were raised by the public.
At the same time, some hospitals indicated that the SHA system was not yet functional, forcing them to demand cash from patients.
Kuria addressed patients in Meru Teaching and Referral Hospitals citing that during the transition from NHIF to SHIF and SHA (Taifa Care), all maternal (Linda Mama) and Child Care services will continue as before.
“Ignore the demands by the Management to charge cash for the same. In case they persist, report to the nearest police station,” said Kuria.
Kuria on Challenges Facing SHA
In a media interview on October 3, Kuria promised that the government was working around the clock to solve concerns that were raised after the launch of SHA.
The major concern being that of hospitals turning the patients away after the roll out and implementation of SHA.
He further hinted of the government rolling out a hotline and USSD for individuals to reach out if unfairly treated by different facilities.
In addition, he explained that the hotline is to purposely help in collecting concerns from the ground and help forge a way forward.
Also Read: Kuria Reveals Solutions for Hospitals Rejecting SHA Patients
Services Covered Under SHA
The news healthy Authority SHA covers a variety of services to its beneficiaries. The Ministry of Health through the Authority has listed the number of services that SHA offers.
In a statement released on October 3, the ministry elaborated that the new health Authority offers expanded services compared to the old National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The Ministry further emphasized that the expanded service spectrum is aimed at enhancing access to healthcare at all levels.
“The benefit package includes inter alia: – outpatient services, inpatient and critical care services, dialysis, assistive devices, last office services, accident and emergency services,” MoH said.
Other benefits outlined include overseas treatment, maternity services, surgical services, optical services, dental healthcare services, and oncology services.
Also, pharmacy benefits package, mental health service, rehabilitative services, medical imaging services, specialized essential diagnostic services, and screening for common diseases are part of the package.
Also Raed: Govt Explains Why It Forcefully Migrated Kenyans from NHIF to SHA
All Public Facilities Contracted
Moreover, the Ministry affirmed that all public facilities and over 60 per cent of private health facilities have been contracted by SHA and should offer services under SHA seamlessly.
In addition, the ministry asserted that the list of the contracted facilities is accessible on the SHA website. It promised to continue updating the list to reflect changes and additions.
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