PAY ATTENTION: We Need your Opinion! What do You Think about this Website? Take 5-min Poll and Make TUKO Better Now.
Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
The Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has enforced this new policy requiring National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) cardholders to pay cash to access treatment.
RUPHA chairperson Brian Lishenga said the latest move is because of the government's delay in releasing funds owed to hospitals.
Lishenga said hospitals in rural areas will require NHIF beneficiaries to pay up to 60% for services on a cash basis.
PAY ATTENTION: Celebrate Kenyan changemakers with TUKO.co.ke! Read more about BUSINESS LEADERS AWARDS 2023
Citizen TV reported that beginning on Thursday, December 28, NHIF cardholders will pay KSh 1,000 to access outpatient care services.
“We today announce that for NHIF beneficiaries, up to 60% of services will be on a cash basis, and all hospitals will charge a fee of Sh1,000 for outpatient care,” Lishenga said.
Patients seeking admissions, surgeries, maternity care, and cancer dialysis will also be required to pay cash, according to the new policy by rural hospitals.
Lishenag pointed out that despite the government releasing KSh 5 billion, the money is not enough compared to what the hospitals are owed.
“Nurses need to be paid; our suppliers have not been paid for many months now; we need to keep the lights on, so we need to pay electricity bills; because of this situation, we have no other option left to us,” he noted.
Elsewhere, Justice Chacha Mwita ordered the state to cease the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act.
In his petition to the court, businessman Joseph Aura claimed that the Act would violate Kenyans' privacy rights, exposing them to more online harm.
He termed the Act unconstitutional and a gross violation of human rights, as it would deny unregistered citizens access to government services.
PAY ATTENTION:check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Drastic Land Reforms Needed To Promote Urban Planning And Development, Investor Proposes
China Unveils New Gaming Curbs, Sending Tech Stocks Tumbling
French Winemakers Adopt US-style Marketing To Halt Falling Sales
Ministry of Health
NHIF Woes: Hospitals in Rural Areas Deny Treatment to Patients, Citing
All Rural hospitals in Kenya won't accept NHIF cards as of Wednesday