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Annual SHA Payment Model Locks Out Low-Income Patients in Saboti

Public health facilities in Saboti Sub-County have experienced a significant drop in revenue from the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) following the introduction of a mandatory annual subscription.

According to Luke Naibei, Chairman of Saboti Sub-County Hospital, many low-income SHIF members have been unable to maintain their subscriptions due to the financial burden of the yearly payment, compared to the previously manageable monthly contributions.

"Most of our clients who depend on SHIF did not show up during the period when the compulsory annual subscription was introduced," Mr. Naibei explained.

He made the remarks while receiving a consignment of drugs and non-pharmaceuticals worth Sh4.2 million, intended for health facilities in Saboti Sub-County.

The Medical Superintendent of Saboti Sub-County Hospital, Dr. Allan Rotich, stated that the facility saw a decline in the number of SHIF-dependent patients during July and August.

Mr. Naibei challenged the SHIF management to revert to the monthly payment system, warning that the current model threatens the goal of achieving universal healthcare.

"The rigid funding model, combined with delayed reimbursements, is hurting health facilities. For example, Wamalwa Kijana Referral Hospital recently received only Sh800,000," he said.

Mr. Naibei also called for the establishment of a dedicated health fund to shield facilities from cash flow disruptions and to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding the drugs and non-pharmaceuticals from theft, to ensure they reach the targeted facilities, which include Gitwamba, Nasianda, Lukhome, and Chemichemi.

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