The Ministry of Health is requesting an additional Sh6 billion in the supplementary budget to strengthen primary healthcare and support the emergency and chronic illness fund under the Social Health Authority (SHA). The request comes as concerns grow over accountability in the new health scheme.
Medical Services Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai made the appeal on Thursday while addressing the National Assembly’s health committee. He emphasized that a government gazette notice had been issued to communicate changes in benefits, including an increase in oncology coverage from Sh400,000 to Sh550,000.
"If you are a cancer patient, payment of your SHA premiums will entitle you to quality cancer treatment in all Level 4, 5, and 6 hospitals, with the benefit package rising from Sh400,000 to Sh500,000," Kimtai stated.
According to Kimtai, SHA has already registered 20.2 million Kenyans, further justifying the need for Sh3 billion to support primary healthcare in Level 1, 2, and 3 hospitals. He assured that services in these facilities remain free for registered members.
"Primary healthcare is not limited to public hospitals. Private and faith-based institutions at Levels 3 and 5 have also been contracted, and they are entitled to payments based on capitation," Kimtai added.
During the session, legislators raised concerns about challenges facing Kenyans under SHA, particularly in accessing funds and tracking payments to healthcare providers.
Health Committee Vice Chairperson Patrick Ntwiga, the Chuka/Igambang'ombe MP, questioned the lack of transparency in the new scheme compared to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
"In NHIF, health facilities could access the system to verify how much they had received per patient. But under SHA, they cannot see the payments, and providers are unable to explain how much they have been paid," Ntwiga noted.
Kimtai and other agency heads responded by promising to publish all payments made to health providers. This, they said, would allow the public to know how much they are entitled to, where they can receive care, and what specific services are covered.
Additionally, Treasury officials faced questions about delays in disbursing funds to hospitals. Lawmakers warned that these delays were limiting the ability of healthcare facilities to provide quality services to patients.
The Ministry of Health now faces mounting pressure to not only secure the additional funding but also to improve transparency and ensure efficient use of resources in the SHA program.
Health
Health CS Aden Duale Forms Team to Verify Pending NHIF Claims
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has appointed a 19-member committee to review and verify unpaid medical claims accumulated under the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Nigeria Reports 807 Meningitis Cases and 74 Deaths Across 22 States
Nigeria has recorded 807 suspected cases of cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) and 74 deaths across 22 states as of March 26, 2025, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).
Kaduna to Hire 1,800 Health Workers to Boost PHC Services
Kaduna State Approves Recruitment of 1,800 Health Workers The Kaduna State Government has approved the recruitment of 1,800 new health workers to strengthen staffing in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Cholera Outbreak in Kisumu Claims Three Lives, Health Measures Launched
Cholera Outbreak in Kisumu Claims Three Lives, Urgent Actions Taken A cholera outbreak in Kisumu County has led to the deaths of three people, triggering immediate actions by health officials to prevent further spread.
China Grants Kenya Ksh.1.8 Billion for Major Hospital Upgrade
Kenya has secured a Ksh.1.8 billion grant from China to upgrade a hospital, a move expected to improve healthcare services.
Measles Case Confirmed in Amtrak Passenger Traveling to D.C.
Health officials in Washington, D.C., have confirmed a measles case in a passenger who traveled on an Amtrak train to the capital, potentially exposing others to the virus.
23andMe Files for Bankruptcy Amid Declining Sales and Data Breach
23andMe, a pioneering genetic testing company, has filed for bankruptcy after struggling with declining sales and a major data breach.
UNICEF: Over One Million Malnourished Children Face Aid Cuts
More than 1.3 million children under the age of five in Nigeria and Ethiopia risk losing access to lifesaving nutrition support this year due to funding shortages, UNICEF has warned.
Texas Measles Outbreak Worsens, Expected to Last for Months
The measles outbreak in West Texas continues to spread two months after it began, with health officials warning that it may last for several more months.
Meningitis Death Toll in Kebbi Reaches 55 as Cases Rise
A meningitis outbreak in Kebbi State has claimed 55 lives, with 653 suspected cases reported across three Local Government Areas (LGAs), health officials confirmed on Wednesday.
FDA Recalls Grand Chateaux Sangria Forte Over Safety Violations
Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued an urgent recall of Grand Chateaux Sangria Forte over safety concerns, targeting its Tetra Pak (250ml) and Canned (330ml Pétillante) versions.
USAID Cuts Could Leave Eight Countries Without HIV Treatments
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that eight countries could soon run out of HIV medications due to disruptions caused by the Trump administration’s decision to pause U.S. foreign aid.
Measles Cases in Europe Hit 25-Year High, UN Warns of Crisis
Europe has recorded its highest number of measles cases in 25 years, with infections doubling in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Clinical Officers End Strike After Agreement with Government
After weeks of negotiations, clinical officers have officially called off their strike following an agreement with the government.
Lagos Confirms Diphtheria Cases at King’s College, Starts Vaccination
The Lagos State Government has begun vaccinating students and staff at King’s College Annex, Victoria Island, following a diphtheria outbreak that has affected 14 students.