State in bid to end fraud in NHIF scheme

The Government has launched a biometric registration exercise for civil servants and disciplined service members in a bid to curb fraud cases while accessing health services.

The move follows the recently negotiated medical scheme through the Devolution ministry, which provides enhanced benefits for all the members and their dependants.

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru said the additional benefits entered with National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) include extension of air rescue services, travel and accommodation costs for a person accompanying a member for treatment and drug and abuse rehabilitation services.

Health Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said the biometric registration was a key aspect of managing the insurance and would go a long way in improving service delivery to members.

The exercise will begin in 21 stations within Nairobi County, starting September 1 and thereafter spread to the other counties. Principal beneficiaries will be registered first, followed by their dependants.

The contract for provision of the medical insurance between the ministry and NHIF is renewable annually and continuously reviewed. Ms Waiguru said members and their dependants will be issued with smart cards for accurate identification at the medical facilities.