HEALTH INSURANCE STRENGTHENING FORUM CONDUCTED
The College hosted a stakeholder engagement forum on November 28, 2024, in Nairobi, focusing on strengthening health insurance for sustainable healthcare access. The event brought together stakeholders from the Social Health Authority, Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, Kenya National Qualifications Authority, County Governments, health facilities, among others.
In a speech read on her behalf by the Acting Director of Public Health and Sanitation, Dr. Grace Ikahu, the Health Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni reiterated the government’s commitment to reducing healthcare costs through the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
“The rollout of the Social Health Authority is a testament to these efforts. It addresses pending National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) claims, funds the Linda Mama program, and ensures capitation payments for SHA,” she noted. The PS highlighted that within two months, a total of 15.3 million Kenyans had enrolled in SHIF, including 5.9 million transitioning seamlessly from NHIF. She added that over 7,800 healthcare facilities are supported, 46,911 healthcare workers are engaged, and Kshs. 3.7 billion was disbursed to facilities in the past week alone.
The PS lauded KMTC for introducing a Diploma in Health Insurance Management, highlighting that it equips graduates with critical skills to enhance health insurance systems, manage claims, foster accountability, and improve service delivery for all Kenyans.
She however, noted that equipping health workers with specialized skills, will ensure that the health system not only thrives but also meets the needs of underserved communities.
KMTC Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot, highlighted the College’s commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage through its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. “This Plan focuses on producing globally competitive health professionals by enriching the learning experience, providing practical skills, and prioritizing lifelong training,” he said.
KMTC CEO Dr. Kelly Oluoch revealed that the College is finalizing a Scheme of Service for Health Insurance Management Personnel, which aims to provide clear career pathways, recognize prior learning, foster continuous professional development, and enable strategic deployment across national and county health systems.
Dr. Oluoch urged stakeholders to align policies that integrate health insurance professionals into existing health systems and mobilize resources to expand training infrastructure. He said KMTC remains committed to collaborating with partners to ensure the seamless implementation of this pivotal initiative.
The Head of Benefits Design and Claims Management at SHA, Dr. Samson Kuhora who represented Acting CEO of SHA Mr. Robert Ingasira, expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for their participation in the forum, noting that their contributions will play a significant role in strengthening the scheme.
“We welcome more ideas from the public and will endeavor to implement them to ensure we provide the best services for our people,” he said. He added, “The journey to providing affordable healthcare is underway. While there may be challenges along the way, we are confident that we will ultimately succeed.” The workshop concluded with the signing of a joint communique with a rally call on stakeholders to align their efforts towards sustainable and inclusive health insurance.
