NHIF urged to fast track the release money owed to county Hospitals

Nyeri, Thursday, June 8, 2023

KNA, By Wangari Mwangi/Kelvin Muthukumi

Nyeri Governor Mr. Mutahi Kahiga has appealed to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to fast track the release of Sh73 million owed to the county’s health services department.

Kahiga said the money is an accumulation of charges and fees deducted from beneficiaries of the national medical cover on behalf of the health facilities for services rendered.

According to the governor, the county relies on the money together with disbursement from the national treasury in order to sustain health services in the county.

He noted that despite the delay the county had managed to keep operations at 75 per cent but at the same time urged the national health insurer to hasten the release of the money.

“We are owed in excess of Sh73 million by the NHIF for services we have rendered to the people of Nyeri; either they are reimbursements or even money meant for the Linda Mama programme. This is the money that should come to our hospitals to ensure that we have drugs,” he said.

“The Nyeri Health Fund is what has helped us ensure that health services do not grind to a halt,” added the governor.

The governor was speaking when he flagged off three new ambulances bought at a cost of Sh22 million which will be stationed at the Mount Kenya hospital which will also serve as the county’s central emergency centre. The other two will be stationed at the newly constructed Naru Moru hospital and the Mukurwe-ini hospitals.

Following the launch of the state of the art emergency response vehicles, the county will now have a fleet of 10 ambulances.

Kahiga said that the new fleet would increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the response team within the county. He noted that the 10 ambulances in the county had advanced life support capabilities and urged the residents to utilize their services.

“Successful implementation of the emergency medical care forms the foundation of a functional healthcare system and eases pressure on every other branch of that system. Timely and coordinated care including an effective referral network has shown to improve survival from acute illness and injury thus improving the emergency care system which is critical for the overall health system strengthening,” said Kahiga.

Courtesy ; K. N. A