NHIF: Health CS Nakhumicha suspends branch managers in affected areas
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has suspended 10 National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) branch managers amid reports of graft.
The moves comes a day after the Nation published an expose detailing how rogue officials reportedly stole millions from unsuspecting elderly patients.
“I hereby direct all NHIF branch managers in the affected areas be suspended immediately pending investigations,” she stated.
“This will ensure facilities suspected of these deals do not continue siphoning resources from patients and government.”
And in a bid to get to the bottom of the matter, the CS has instructed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) alongside the Pharmacy and Poisons Board to commence investigations within 48 hours.
The identified facilities under scrutiny include JEKIM Medical Centre in Meru Central, St. Peter’s Orthopedic and Surgical Hospital in Kiambu County, Afya Bora Hospital in Mwaya Kirinyaga, Joy Nursing and Maternity Hospital on Malowa Street, Kamukunji, Afya Bora Hospital Annex in Wanguru Mweya, JEKIM Hospital in Imenti South, Berut Pharmacy and Medical Centre, and Amal Hospital Limited.
Effective immediately, these facilities have been directed to transfer their in-patients and evacuate the premises. This move according to Ms Nakhumicha will facilitate the KMPDC’s inspection process, and if found to be capable, the facilities will remain closed until the investigations are concluded.
“within the 24 hours starting now the facilities are directed to immediately transfer the in patients and evacuate the process this will allow the KMPDC to commence their inscriptions thereafter our teams will enforce the directives for closure should they inspect and find them capable and they will remain closed until investigations are concluded,” She Said
Ms Nakhumicha added that an extensive lifestyle audit will be conducted on NHIF staff members to ensure transparency and accountability within the organization, as employees will be required to explain their sources of wealth.
The audit is set to commence in June 2023.
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