By Billy Mijungu
The Ministry of Health’s plan to link SHA registration with key government agencies such as KRA NTSA NSSF Huduma Namba and NRB is a commendable effort aimed at improving compliance and boosting revenue collection.
However, the effectiveness of this move will depend on its execution and the trust the public has in the system.
Employers will now be subjected to random audits payroll integration and penalties for non-compliance which adds another layer of scrutiny to business operations.
While this may increase contributions to SHA the government must recognize that financial sustainability alone is not enough to fix the healthcare system.
Former PS Harry Kimutai’s warning to private hospitals that reject Taifacare raises serious concerns.
Threatening to withdraw licenses from private healthcare facilities is a reactionary measure that overlooks a fundamental reality.
Private hospitals operate independently and are guided by financial sustainability considerations.
Forcing them into a scheme they do not find viable is not a solution.
Instead, the government should focus on strengthening public hospitals and ensuring they have the capacity to provide quality healthcare services.
This would make public healthcare facilities the natural first choice for citizens and reduce overreliance on private hospitals.
It is time for the government to take a bold step and upscale public hospitals rather than leveraging private hospital facilities to sustain public healthcare schemes.
Strengthening public hospitals would involve investing in infrastructure equipment and personnel ensuring that public facilities can adequately handle the healthcare needs of Kenyans.
This approach would not only improve service delivery but also build trust in the public healthcare system.
The new Principal Secretary for Medical Services has an enormous task ahead.
The expectation is that he will drive significant improvements in public healthcare by prioritizing capacity building in public hospitals.
This means ensuring hospitals have enough medical personnel well-equipped facilities and a steady supply of essential drugs.
A robust public healthcare system is the foundation of any successful health insurance scheme. Without it even the best-funded insurance program will struggle to meet its objectives.
SHA is largely struggling because of low contributions and the reluctance of many Kenyans to sign up.
This challenge will not be resolved by threats or forced compliance but rather by building confidence in the scheme.
The government must persuade citizens by demonstrating that SHA is a reliable and efficient system. One of the biggest deterrents to enrollment is the perception that SHA does not pay claims promptly.
If people see that claims are settled without unnecessary delays, they will be more willing to contribute. The insurer must establish a reputation for efficiency and reliability.
There is also a need for structural reforms in Taifacare to ensure sustainability.
It should not be a plug-and-play system where individuals register make a first-time contribution and immediately demand full expensive settlements.
A minimum contribution period of three months should be established before a member can utilize the insurance for major medical expenses.
This will ensure that the fund remains financially viable and does not collapse under the weight of immediate high-cost claims.
This approach would also instill a sense of shared responsibility among contributors ensuring that the system is not exploited.
Healthcare reform in Kenya must be anchored on strengthening public hospitals enhancing compliance with SHA contributions and ensuring sustainability of insurance schemes like Taifa care.
The government must prioritize long-term solutions over short-term interventions.
A well-functioning public healthcare system will naturally attract contributions and reduce the need for coercion.
Sustainable reforms require a balanced approach where efficiency reliability and investment in public facilities take center stage.
If the right steps are taken Kenyans will willingly contribute to SHA and the dream of universal healthcare will finally become a reality.
