The Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (Rupha) has lodged a strong complaint against the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), alleging the failure to remit timely payments to rural hospitals.
With over 350 hospitals under its umbrella, Rupha expressed deep concern over the NHIF’s delay in remitting payments for the April-July 2023 quarter, leading to the denial of treatment to patients in need.
Rupha, representing a significant network of private hospitals located in rural areas across Kenya, plays a vital role in providing essential healthcare services to local communities. However, the association has revealed that many of its members are grappling with financial strain due to the NHIF’s inability to remit payments on time.
Rural Private Hospitals Chairman speaks about delayed remmittances
Speaking on behalf of Rupha, Brian Lishenga, the association’s chairperson, expressed disappointment at the prolonged delays in payment from the NHIF.
“As a result of the board’s failure to honour its financial commitments, the health facilities under the Rupha are left with no other recourse but to issue an immediate notice that beneficiaries of the NHIF Capitated Schemes will be required to make cash payments to access services, effective from May 31, 2023,” said Lishenga, as reported by Business Daily
The delayed remittances have caused a severe financial burden on these rural hospitals, affecting their ability to maintain adequate healthcare services. Essential resources, such as medical supplies, staff salaries, and infrastructure maintenance, are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain without the necessary financial support.
Read Also: Mount Elgon Farmers Unite to Combat Exploitative Potato Brokers
The Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya called on the NHIF to urgently address the issue and ensure prompt remittance of payments to its member hospitals. The association underscored the significance of uninterrupted healthcare services, especially during the ongoing global health crisis, when access to medical care is paramount.
In April, the NHIF released a statement acknowledging the delays and assuring stakeholders that efforts are underway to rectify the situation promptly. The NHIF states it had paid Ksh 4.9 billion to over 4.6 million claims.
As the Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya rallies against the NHIF’s delayed payments, the plight of patients in rural areas who are denied treatment underscores the urgency for resolution.
Timely remittances from the NHIF are critical to ensure the sustainability of rural hospitals and the provision of accessible healthcare to marginalized communities. It is hoped that swift action will be taken to address this issue and restore the much-needed financial stability of these essential healthcare providers.
Do you have any news you need to be published? reach us: editor@krn.co.ke
