By Kamadi Amata
Kenyans have been automatically transitioned to the Social Health Authority (SHA) from the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
Many individuals have already received notifications regarding this shift.
The messages state: “Your NHIF account has been successfully transitioned to the Social Health Authority. To update your profile, dial *147#, visit sha.go.ke, or visit any authorized SHA agent.”
This transition follows the recent launch of SHA by the Ministry of Health.
Since its rollout, the SHA has achieved over 12.5 million registrations, a significant milestone despite initial concerns following the scheme’s introduction.
On Tuesday alone, close to 400,000 new registrations were recorded, bringing the total to 12,540,117 subscribers.
During the rollout event, Health PS Mary Muthoni reassured the public that funds contributed to NHIF would be securely transferred to SHA.
“All NHIF contributions will be rolled over to SHA, and no funds will be lost in the process,” she confirmed.
SHA CEO Elijah Wachira addressed concerns from the public regarding access to critical services like dialysis, cancer treatment, and maternity care. He emphasized that no healthcare providers would refuse treatment to members due to the transition.
“No member will be denied access to dialysis, cancer services, or maternity care. Services at Kenya Essential Package for Health (KEPH) Level 2 and 3 facilities will remain accessible, and actively managed schemes will continue to offer services,” he explained.
Wachira further clarified that Kenyans still under the NHIF cover, who haven’t yet switched to SHA, will continue receiving healthcare services. Health Cabinet Secretary Debrah Barasa reiterated this, assuring that hospitals will not turn away patients due to incomplete registration.
“Even those still under NHIF will be treated. No hospital will turn anyone away for not having registered with SHA. Instead, hospitals will assist with the registration and provide necessary treatment,” Barasa assured.
