The government has constituted a 13-member committee to scrutinize and analyze existing NHIF pending medical claims for the last two years within 90 days.
In a gazette notice, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, appointed James Masiro Ojee as the chair of the committee to be deputized by Ann Wamae.
Earlier this month, President William Ruto announced a plan to settle the Ksh33 billion debt left by the defunct NHIF noting that hospitals owed Ksh10 million and below, representing 91pc of facilities will receive full payment.
He had mentioned that hospitals with larger claims, representing 9pc of health facilities, will undergo a verification process within 90 days before a settlement plan is finalised.
The other members of the committee include; Edward Kiplimo Bitok, Meshack Matengo, Meboh Atieno Awour, Tom Nyakaba, Catherine Karori Bosire, Paul Wafula, Catherine Mungania, James Oundo, Jackline Mukami Njiru, Dr. Judith Awinja and David Dawe.
The Committee is expected to scrutinize and analyze NHIF pending medical claims that have accumulated between 1st July 2022 and 30th September 2024 and make recommendations to the Ministry of Health for settlement.
It should also stablish a clear criterion for examining pending claims to determine their genuineness and recommend necessary actions to the health ministry for disposal or settlement of pending claims.
Similarly, the Committee that will be domiciled at the Social Health Authority building, will be expected to identify any corrupt, fraudulent, or false claims and make recommendations to relevant government agencies.
Further the Committee will propose reforms to prevent future accumulation of pending claims as well as perform any other functions necessary for achieving the above objectives.
Members of the committee shall serve for three months from the date of the Gazette notice.
The Chairperson and Committee members shall subscribe to a Declaration before commencing their duties.
There is also a Secretariat that shall be responsible for: Recording and keeping deliberations and records, preparing reports and disseminating relevant information, conducting research and liaising with government agencies as well as performing any other duties assigned by the Committee.
Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/ruto-govt-to-clear-nhif-arrears-for-hospitals-owed-ksh10m-and-below/
