The Rural Private Hospitals have introduced cash charges on services that was previously covered by National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) that will see kenyans use cash to seek medical attention.
According to the Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA), NHIF has failed to pay the hospitals totalling to 400 across the country for months now forcing the move.
This comes after RUPHA released a notice on December 8th with the union claiming that NHIF owes Private Hospitals funds totalling to 15 Billion over the months.
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Speaking to the press, RUPHA chairman Dr Brian Lishenga said thag NHIF has failed to pay or underpaid for services rendered over the last eight months, with payouts for medical and surgical admissions ranging from five-10 per cent of valid claims.
“Contractual quarterly capitation payments for outpatient services have not been remitted for the October-December quarter, and the Linda Mama scheme has not made payments since June 2023.”
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Charges That NHIF holders will pay in Private Hospitals.
- Outpatient care will now be obligated to pay a fee amounting to Ksh1,000.
- Admission for medical cases will be requested to pay an admission fee.
- NHIF beneficiaries in need of surgery will be requested to pay a theatre fee.
- Any NHIF patients receiving cancer care will be requested to pay consultation fees, laboratory testing fees, and procedure fees for any interventions
- Patients enrolled in the Linda Mama scheme will be required to pay a procedure fee for normal delivery and a theatre fee for a Caesarean section.
This means that NHIF cover will not cater for these services in private hospitals and patients will be required to fully pay for consultation and treatment until the matter is addressed.
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“These resolutions will remain in effect until NHIF regularises payments owed to healthcare facilities during its transition to the Social Health Authority.”