IT News Online – Kenya: Cabinet Secretary for Health (CS) takes root in digital technology adoption as she meets National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) leadership

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha challenged the National Health Insurance Fund to align its operations with the needs of its customers.

Speaking at a meeting with the NHIF management and board on Monday, the Health SC said the government remained committed to delivering on its promise of universal healthcare, with the Fund to play a vital role in its implementation.

“There is a need to align your strategic plan with the government’s UHC agenda to make it more patient-centred. The government remains committed to ensuring that individuals and communities have access to quality health services without suffering financial hardship. Observed Nakhumicha.

This even as she stressed the need for the NHIF to fully digitize its operations to improve efficiency and reduce waste. “I am encouraged by what you have been able to accomplish internally. Let us make good use of available resources to improve services, even as we strive to involve all stakeholders. “Says the CS of health.

She said the government has prioritized the constitutional right to health by pledging to implement its universal health care program which will focus on primary health care and the seamless universal health insurance system.

Speaking at the meeting, NHIF CEO Peter Kamunyu said the fund had embarked on a transformation program to improve its efficiency and make it more responsive to clients. He highlighted the upgrading of the NHIF system which is currently running on a legacy system, the development of an optimal centralized health care management system, timely payment of bonuses and budgetary approvals as some of the urgent concerns that need to be addressed. processed in order to carry out the plan.

During the familiarization visit, the CS also visited the NHIF Customer Experience Center which offers its customers 24-hour communication support services. She was accompanied by Health PS Susan Mochache, Acting Director General of Health Dr Patrick Amoth and several senior officials from the Ministry of Health.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Kenya.