This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
On October 23, 2019, the National Assembly Health Committee raised concerns over the high number of rich Kenyans seeking treatment abroad under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) at the expense of poor citizens.
Documents presented before the committee revealed that NHIF paid out Sh17 billion for specialised packages for patients who sought treatment abroad in the 2018/2019 financial year.
MPs demanded an explanation from NHIF on why it paid more money to private hospitals, with private hospitals receiving Sh22 billion compared to government hospitals, which received only Sh7 billion. Mission hospitals collected Sh8 billion from NHIF.
Legislators directed NHIF to provide the list of private hospitals that have benefited from the kitty and the names of individuals who were facilitated by the insurance fund to go for treatment abroad.
MPs David Ochieng, Eseli Simuyu, Zachary Thuku, and Swarup Mishra questioned the fairness of the treatment process, with Mr. Mishra asking, 'How do you determine who should be flown out for specialised treatment, or it's based on who you know and the connection one has at NHIF?'
Acting NHIF Chief Executive Officer Nicodemus Odongo defended the process, stating that it's done by the ministry and that NHIF only pays a maximum of Sh500, 000 for individuals seeking treatment abroad.
