Kenya’s State Department of Medical Services launched new digital hubs that will allow citizens to verify their Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits in real time.
Citizens can now digitally verify covered services, accredited facilities, and individual account balances.
Dr. Ouma Oluga, the Principal Secretary at the State Department for Medical Services, Ministry of Health, explained that the initiative is like a social protection program.
“These kinds of initiatives are also very helpful. They enable activities we do, such as social protection and social insurance programs. Many of the people who cannot access where to register, for example, can now come here,” Ouma Oluga stated.
Ouma explained that through the digital hub, citizens can easily access the benefit package and get information on which hospital aligns with the package.
According to Ouma, this will ensure that complaints that people have regarding the system in the centres are resolved.
In addition to reducing the complaints, digitalization will be used for accountability and responsibility.
“When they lie to you, you can see your balance. When they are trying to tell you that they can’t offer that service, you can tell them that it is offered in the facility,” Ouma stated.
He added that since the world is already digitalized, it is in the interest of people to utilize it, even those in Siaya.
The digital tools will be used to address past issues of fraud and delays in the Department for Medical Services.
SHA Launching and Services
SHA was launched in 2024 to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) under Universal Health Coverage reforms.
It covers essential services, including HIV treatment, immunizations, and maternal care, for all registered citizens.
Outpatient care is covered for primary care services at health facility levels 2 to 4, with specific costs determined by the level of the facility.
Chronic disease management is supported by specific outpatient packages for conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.
Also Read: SHA and SHIF, a Misdiagnosis of Kenya’s Healthcare
SHA Funds
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- Primary Healthcare Fund: Covers basic health services at primary care facilities (Levels 2 & 3).
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- Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF): Provides coverage for specialized care at higher-level facilities (Levels 4-6).
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- Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF): Addresses urgent health needs, emergencies, and long-term conditions.
How to register
To get the SHA benefits, one must first register through the SHA portal, with a community health promoter, or at a Huduma Centre.
The registration process requires providing personal information and verifying the details.
Employers must register and remit SHIF contributions.
Also Read: SHA Hires Former NHIF Boss
Registration methods
USSD: Dial *147# on your mobile phone and follow the on-screen prompts.
Online portal: Visit the official SHA website at sha.go.ke.
Assisted: Contact your Community Health Promoter (CHP) for assistance with registration.
Physical location: Visit a SHA branch or a Huduma Centre.
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