Nairobi: The Social Health Authority (SHA) has announced an upgraded system designed to ensure that hospital claims are processed by the 14th of each month. This development aims to ease the financial burdens for families across the nation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura, emphasized the importance of registration with SHA during a press briefing at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi. He urged unregistered citizens to take advantage of the full benefits offered by Taifa Care, highlighting that the system upgrade will provide enhanced financial support.
SHA has also increased daily rates for Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit services from Sh4,480 to Sh28,000 and expanded oncology coverage to Sh550,000 per patient. Mwaura stated that the government is working on rolling out daily payment options to assist those who find lump sum payments challenging.
Taifa Care offers comprehensive healthcare services, including outpatient and inpatient care, maternal and child health, emergency services, mental health support, and treatment for chronic and critical illnesses. The program ensures healthcare access for all Kenyans, regardless of income or employment status.
Mwaura reported that over 19 million Kenyans have registered under Taifa Care, marking a 146 percent increase from the previous 8 million under the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund. He noted that significant numbers of registrants have been referred for diabetes and hypertension treatments.
In response to a Kala-azar outbreak in Wajir County, which has affected over 600 people and resulted in 33 deaths, the Ministry of Health and Wajir County have deployed three mobile laboratories for rapid testing in Eldas and Wajir West. A satellite blood bank equipped with a new blood analysis machine has also been established to support critical care in the region.
On the cholera front, outbreaks in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Migori counties have led to six fatalities. Mwaura announced that multi-sectoral Rapid Response Teams have been activated to curb the outbreak, with intensified surveillance efforts in all sub-counties and border areas. Isolation facilities are now fully equipped with treatment guidelines, healthcare workers, and medical supplies.
The government has launched public sensitization campaigns and distributed resources including medicines, laboratory kits, and protective gear to frontline responders. Additional measures such as providing water treatment chemicals, soap, and handwashing stations are underway to contain the spread of diseases.
Mwaura urged the public to remain vigilant, adhere to health guidelines, and report any symptoms to healthcare authorities to ensure community safety and health.