MoH: Heavy Penalties For Fraud At SHIF
The Ministry of Health through the Social Health Authority plans to introduce heavy penalties for anyone involved in fraud at SHIF (Social Health Insurance Fund).
Timothy Olweny, the chair of the authority’s board, has admitted that fraud was a significant problem in the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund.
Olweny stated on K24 on Tuesday that in spite of the numerous fraud incidents that have been documented within the fund in the past, there have been insufficient fines to guarantee that those responsible are held accountable.
“A problem that has always existed in NHIF is fraud. We can only attempt to lessen it by applying the knowledge we have gained from the past, according to Olweny.
“Because there were no true repercussions for the fraud in the past, there needs to be a strong enforcement of penalties to make sure that any lost money is recovered and the offenders are held accountable.”
MoH: Heavy Penalties For Fraud At SHIF
He said that the new body will be watching to make sure that the money raised is used to pay for healthcare services for all Kenyans.
Olweny went on to say that in order to prevent more fraud incidents, the fund will use technology to make sure that all procedures and transactions are tracked.
We intend to utilize technology in an effort to prevent a recurrence of the events that occurred during the NHIF. As much as possible, we want to make sure that the money raised goes toward paying for healthcare rather than anything else, Olweny promised.
The Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) stated earlier this month that appropriate action will be taken against any parties connected to the purported fraudulent operations that caused NHIF to lose Sh171 million.
According to the organization, this involves pursuing legal action or seizing any funds discovered to have been obtained unlawfully from public funds.
MoH: Heavy Penalties For Fraud At SHIF
The national insurer lost Sh171 million as a result of fraudulent actions, the ministry announced on January 5. This was after an audit that took place in 27 healthcare facilities from January to December 2023.
