Expanded NHIF not sustainable

The Jubilee Government is selling a great idea to Kenyans – provision of universal healthcare through the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) medical scheme.

There is a long list of benefits contributors to the new NHIF are expected to get.

Although the enhanced contributions started streaming into the fund five months ago, little change is visible in the provision of services.

Most medical facilities where contributing members are supposed to get out-patient services do not have drugs.

The personnel in other health facilities seem not to have any clue about the management of the fund.

The fund can in the long-run sustain in-patient services if proper management structures are put in place to control and avert all forms of fraud.

For outpatient services, there is need for the concerned parties to go back to the drawing board.