Kenyan Government to Cover Hospital Bills for Terminally Ill Patients

Nairobi – In a significant move to support patients with terminal illnesses, the Kenyan government has announced that it will start covering their hospital bills. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha declared the initiative during her visit to St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in Mumias, Kakamega County. This announcement comes as part of the government’s efforts to alleviate the financial burden on individuals facing severe health challenges.

According to Kenya News Agency, the funding for this initiative will come from the newly established Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund. Patients with terminal illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer can register with this fund. Once registered, their hospital expenses will be directly billed to the government, enabling patients to receive treatment without incurring personal costs. The Health Cabinet Secretary emphasized the rising incidence and high treatment costs of non-communicable diseases, which have been a significant financial strain on many households.

During her working tour assessing hospitals’ readiness for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Nakhumicha mentioned that the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund is a part of the Social Health Insurance Act. However, this Act currently faces legal challenges in court. Nakhumicha appealed to those opposing the implementation of the Act to reconsider, citing the need for equitable access to healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations.

She expressed hope that the judiciary would dismiss the petition against the Act, allowing the Ministry to proceed with its implementation plans. These plans include reducing the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) contributions from Sh500 to Sh300 per month for vulnerable groups and registering patients for the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund. Additionally, Nakhumicha warned hospitals against fraudulent NHIF claims, stating that those involved in such activities would be publicly named and held accountable.