Editor's Review

"I urge you to prioritize the pressing issue of Kenyans burdened by medical bills due to NHIF." 

Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has called on President William Ruto to direct the National Treasury to release funds to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

In a statement on Tuesday, February 20, Passaris said the government owes NHIF over Ksh 32 billion for civil servants’ contributions.

“Your Excellency William Ruto as the cabinet retreat progresses into its second day, I urge you to prioritize the pressing issue of Kenyans burdened by medical bills due to NHIF being owed Ksh 32 billion by the Treasury,” Passaris stated.

The ODM legislator noted that hospitals within Nairobi country are struggling as NHIF owes them a total of Ksh 2.1 billion.

File image of Esther Passaris. 

Passaris asked President Ruto to make use of the executive retreat in Naivasha to compel the Treasury to disburse the money owed to NHIF.

“While you are in Naivasha before the CSs for Treasury and Health leave can we have a commitment to release at least five to ten billion shillings to NHIF so Nairobi can get 2.1 billion for Kenyatta National Hospital and the facilities that are in the county,” said Passaris.

The Nairobi Women Rep further said the government should find a way to cushion the poor as NHIF is transitioning to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)

“As we transition from NHIF to SHIF, we need to figure out a way to cushion the poor people that are in the public health facilities,” Passaris added.

Additionally, Passaris asked the Head of State to address the need to provide relief to schools that have admitted students despite unpaid fees.