Update: Patients with NHIF cards to continue getting services from private hospitals on these grounds
Last week, Kenya Private Hospitals Association had announced that beginning Monday thirty first NHIF card holders will not receive services in any private hospitals due to bill settlement claims related issues from the insurer.
The chairman for the association had also indicated that the contract signed between private hospitals and NHIF had expired and there was no new contract signed yet.
However, after a meeting held on Monday between Kenya private hospitals association and the ministry of health a temporary deal was made in which the private hospitals will continue serving patients with NHIF cards until the end of March as discussions are underway to establish a suitable solution to issues raised.
Mercy Mwangangi said that the Association of private hospitals and Health Ministry have agreed that no services should be stopped. Henceforth, private hospitals shall continue service delivery to all patients.
While speaking, she said that no one should be worried as they are working on how payments shall be carried out.
Mohammed Abdi chair Kenya Private Hospitals Association, said a plan shall be drawn in which both parties shall benefit.
He added that both parties must be sustainable by all means. Also private hospitals will extend their service delivery as per the old contract as negotiations on the new contract kicks off.
Lewis Nguyai NHIF Chairman on the other hand said that contracts between NHIF and other service providers would be signed after the extension period (end of March) and implemented from first of July.
Timothy Olweny secretary-general Kenya Private Hospitals Association was lamenting about the insurer reviewing settlement claims raised by private hospital owners downwards.
Of concern as well is the fact that the insurer had reduced contributions for dialysis services and surgery, he added.
From his side, John Gikonyo Head of Kenya Renal society was relieved after the temporary deal was made. He noted that dialysis is quite expensive and he said that as the NHIF and service providers continue negotiating on the new contract terms his hope is that dialysis and kidney patients issues be addressed probably so that the patients can get free medication without having to pay from their pockets.
