Nairobi, November 24, 2024 – The People’s Loyal Opposition has called for the abolition of the recently implemented Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the reinstatement of the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). This demand was led by Vice President and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who voiced concerns over the exclusion of many Kenyans from SHIF medical services following the abrupt suspension of NHIF.
Speaking at a church service at Jesus Teaching Ministry in Savanna estate, Embakasi East constituency, Kalonzo highlighted the growing healthcare crisis across the country. He noted that numerous patients are being turned away from hospitals or forced to pay out-of-pocket costs due to issues with the SHIF rollout. “We demand that the government suspend the implementation of SHIF and revert to NHIF,” Kalonzo stated.
The Vice President emphasized the distress faced by patients and families who are unable to access treatment for manageable health conditions. He argued that the transition to SHIF has left many Kenyans without adequate healthcare coverage, exacerbating the healthcare crisis.
The call for the reinstatement of NHIF comes amid widespread reports of patients struggling to navigate the new SHIF system. Many have reported delays and difficulties in accessing medical services, leading to increased out-of-pocket expenses and financial strain on families.
The opposition’s demand has sparked a heated debate on the effectiveness of SHIF and the government’s handling of the healthcare transition. As the situation unfolds, Kenyans are eagerly awaiting the government’s response to the growing