NHIF members now have something to smile about

Finally, National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) members have something to smile about.

The biggest gainers in the new fund allocation being patients of chronic diseases and expectant mothers who have received an increase.

NHIF Chairperson Mohamed Ali said he expected the new rates to be signed into law and be effective by today.

The fund will now pay increased inpatient rates of Sh1,200 when patients are admitted to public hospitals and Sh4,000 where they go private, whereas for faith-based hospitals the rates are Sh3,500.

It is also good news that expectant mothers will also get Sh10,000 for normal deliveries and Sh30,000 for Ceasarean sections. NHIF has also gone the extra mile to ensure cancer patients get more funds for different treatments. A new category of radiological and diagnostic services is to be ushered in where Sh25,000 will be paid per session.

This move by NHIF is a drive towards the universal health care plan that will soon be achieved.