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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

State forms county committees to streamline health services

National

By Hilda Otieno and Joachim Bwana | Oct 30, 2024

**Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai.** [File, Standard]

The government has formed a multi-sectoral committee in counties to help in the implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Yesterday, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Harry Kimtai met CECs and County Commissioners from Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, West Pokot, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, Turkana, Narok, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Samburu, Elgeyo, and Nakuru to plan for the registration programme.

During the inauguration of the Rift region committee, the PS said the government has released Sh9 billion to SHA to settle bills owed to health facilities by the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund.

He said the funds, including Sh1 billion for the Linda Mama programme, would be disbursed by the end of this week.

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The bills, he said, amounted to over Sh30 billion. Kimtai emphasised the ministry’s commitment to timely settle claims, now monitored daily and capped at a 90-day processing period to enhance transparency. He said the government is committed to addressing the SHA challenges to ensure no patient is turned away.

He encouraged county governments to increase public awareness, registration and the identification of indigent citizens to expand healthcare coverage.

“We currently do not have challenges for patients with terminal illnesses and those in need of dialysis; we only had this in the first few days,” he said.

In support of SHA’s rollout, the government he said has signed 26 agreements with the Council of Governors to enhance medical equipment services and has deployed 70 technical officers to assist county healthcare facilities.

“Unlike NHIF, those being registered under SHA will benefit and get services immediately upon payment of their premiums and do not need to wait for the lapse of 60 days,” he said.

As part of an effort to market the new health scheme, government officials in Mombasa waived a Sh500,000 medical bill for a patient with a heart problem.

The woman, who asked not to be named, underwent a heart procedure where a pacemaker was implanted at the Coast General Hospital.

While addressing the media shortly after coming from the theatre, the woman thanked the doctors for the procedure and SHA for helping her pay the bill.

“I had a heart problem for a long time and my doctor called me to come today morning and he decided to do the procedure. I have been able to be treated through SHA,” she said.