National Assembly Health Committee Probes NHIF Fraudulent Claims by Private Hospitals
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health, met with the officials from NHIF to probe the fraudulent activities at the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The chairperson Health Commiitee Hon. Robert Pukose (Endebes) expressed concern over prevalent claims that high-ranking NHIF management is involved with unscrupulous hospitals in defrauding the fund through unsubstantiated and fictitious claims.
According to Hon. Pukose, the only way to salvage the deteriorating state of the fund is to launch a comprehensive investigation that may result in significant personnel changes at the NHIF.
“We, as a committee, cannot turn a blind eye to the misappropriation of public resources within NHIF. The only path to uncover the truth behind the NHIF crisis is through a public inquiry,” stated Hon. Pukose.
He further added, “Next week, we will convene to establish the terms of reference for the inquiry and invite all relevant stakeholders to present their knowledge of the situation at NHIF.”
The Committee will also explore the preferential treatment given to privately-owned healthcare facilities at the expense of public health institutions.
“It is inconceivable that a private hospital could perform more surgeries than renowned institutions such as Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), let alone both combined. Clearly, these claims are baseless,” remarked Moyale MP Prof. Guyo Waqo Jaldesa.
Supporting the proposal for a public inquiry, Mogotio MP Reuben Kiborek acknowledged that fraudulent activities at the NHIF have persisted throughout history and have been shielded by a covert arrangement wherein NHIF branch managers shield the higher-ups at the headquarters.
“If we aim to establish Universal Health Insurance (UHC), we must address the deep-rooted corruption at NHIF, even if it entails removing the entire NHIF board of management and directors,” emphasized Hon. Kiborek.
On his part, Nyeri Town MP Hon. Dancun Mathenge emphasizes that a public inquiry is the only way to expose the corruption at NHIF.
Hon. Mathenge pointed out that certain private hospitals submit exorbitant claims for surgeries, surpassing the number performed by Kenyatta National Hospital and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“It is disheartening that 60 percent of NHIF payments go to private health facilities, especially considering that the privileged hospitals are those with close connections to NHIF’s top brass. Meanwhile, legitimate service providers struggle to operate due to unpaid dues,” lamented Hon. Mathenge.
Agreeing with his colleagues, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi asserts that the issue at NHIF must be definitively resolved to ensure long-term stability.
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