The Kenya Renal Association (KRA) has raised the alarm over significant disruptions in dialysis services due to the ongoing rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA) in Kenya.
In a press statement released on October 3, 2024, the association criticized the National Hospital Insurance Fund’s (NHIF) failure to adjust reimbursement rates and clear existing debts, resulting in financial shortfalls that have crippled dialysis units.
“We are deeply concerned by the NHIF’s failure to adjust reimbursement rates to match market conditions,” the KRA said, highlighting that this failure has left several dialysis centers at risk of closure, jeopardizing critical care for patients with kidney disease.
The association’s Chairman, Dr. Jonathan Wala, expressed dismay at the chaotic transition from NHIF to SHA. “Patients are currently facing life-threatening uncertainty due to the disorganized SHA rollout,” he noted. Wala also pointed out that many patients have been unable to register for SHA services, leading to out-of-pocket payments and exclusion of non-citizens from care.
The Kenya Renal Association further highlighted three critical issues plaguing dialysis services under SHA: the lack of formal contracts with service providers, an unclear claims process, and the use of outdated NHIF claim systems.
The association called for immediate reforms, including the signing of formal contracts, temporary legal assurances for providers, and the settling of over KES 10 billion in unpaid NHIF debt.
“As renal specialists, we firmly believe that the lives of our patients are paramount,” Wala emphasized, urging SHA and stakeholders to act swiftly. The KRA’s recommendations include extending dialysis cover to three sessions per week and improving transplant and prevention services to support the growing number of kidney patients across Kenya.
