Kisumu, December 6, 2024 – Civil society organizations (CSOs) and community leaders advocating for TB, HIV, and malaria patients across Kenya have called for immediate clarity and transparency regarding the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF/SHA). This demand follows widespread confusion and criticism over the scheme, which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Speaking during a media briefing in Kisumu, the representatives urged key stakeholders, including Health Cabinet Secretary Mary Muthoni, Health Principal Secretary Barasa Mulongo, the Social Health Insurance Board, and the Parliamentary Health Committee, to provide accurate, people-centered information about the fund’s structure, benefits, and implementation.
Mounting Concerns Over Implementation
Civil society leaders emphasized that while the transition to SHIF/SHA was intended to improve universal healthcare coverage, its implementation has created significant challenges.
“The introduction of SHIF/SHA has worsened healthcare access, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions, leading to increased mortality rates,” said Phillip Nyakwana, one of the CSO representatives. He highlighted the widespread confusion surrounding contributions, benefits, and provider networks under the new scheme.
Nyakwana also criticized the scheme for exacerbating financial burdens on households, particularly for low-income earners, while diminishing access to essential health services.
“The lack of clear communication and engagement with communities about SHIF/SHA has turned healthcare into a class issue, undermining the principles of universal healthcare coverage,” he added.
Civil Society Demands
To address these challenges, the CSOs issued the following demands:
- Full Disclosure: Immediate release of policy changes, plans, and financial implications related to the SHIF/SHA transition.
- Public Engagement: A comprehensive public meeting involving community representatives, healthcare providers, CSOs, and policymakers to address the state of SHIF/SHA.
- Framework Review: A reassessment of the SHIF/SHA framework to ensure inclusivity, equity, and affordability, particularly for vulnerable populations, including those affected by TB, HIV, and malaria.
- Community Engagement Mechanisms: Strengthening platforms for incorporating public input into SHIF/SHA policies.
- Emergency Measures: Immediate steps to address worsening healthcare access and alleviate financial strain on households.
Threats to Universal Health Coverage
The CSOs warned that the issues surrounding SHIF/SHA have severely strained Kenya’s healthcare system, disproportionately impacting marginalized groups and threatening the country’s progress toward universal health coverage (UHC).
“The continuous deductions without service provision have further eroded public confidence in the healthcare system,” Nyagwana noted, urging the government to address these systemic issues urgently.
A Call for Swift Action
The petition reflects widespread dissatisfaction among healthcare stakeholders, with CSOs and community leaders urging the government to act decisively.
“We are deeply concerned about the direction of healthcare reforms in Kenya. It is critical for stakeholders to restore public trust by addressing these issues and ensuring that healthcare reforms truly benefit all Kenyans,” the CSOs stated.
The leaders pledged to continue advocating for transparency and inclusivity in healthcare reforms while awaiting the government’s response to their demands.
