The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has issued a warning to hospitals across the country that are turning away paid up members of the national insurer, hence denying them access to medical care.
A report by Daily Nation on June 17, revealed that several hospitals are turning away patients and denying them access to medical care on account that the NHIF is yet to pay them.
This is after a number of paid up members raised concerns that they are not able to access treatment using the NHIF cards, and others being told to wait till July 1, 2021.
According to the publication, one Emmanuel Juma was turned back after visiting a medical facility in the outskirts of Nairobi. He was allegedly told that he could only use his NHIF card for inpatient services since the insurer was yet to remit funds to the institution.
"I am a paid up member. Why on earth would they dictate at what point I get services? What happens if one does not have another medical insurance cover," Juma posed.
"I have arthritis and because of the cold weather I experience pain and just going for check up, I cannot use my NHIF card," Elizabeth Mutindwa was quoted as saying.
She has been experiencing this problem for the past two months.
NHIF CEO Peter Kamunyo maintained that all paid up members of the insurer should be able to access services at all accredited hospitals.
"We have not released any circular that hospitals should suspend services until July 1. This is strange and we are going to investigate," Dr. Kamunyo stated.
He noted that NHIF was currently working on an e-claim installation, adding that some hospitals fell short of the criteria.
"For those who do not meet the criteria, we normally suspend them until they comply, and I suspect that the said hospitals have issues with the system," he added.
