NHIMA Registers Over 20,000 Citizens Enrolled On SCT, As Total Membership Rises To 5.3 Million

National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA), in collaboration with Ministry of Health, Ministry of Community Development & Social Services and the Global Fund, has registered over 20,000 citizens who are enrolled on the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme.

In 2024, Ministry of Health launched the National Health Insurance Scheme countrywide membership registration and card distribution, which intends to capture at least 50 percent of the population in a bid to increase uptake of the services.

The 20, 000 citizens that have been added to the Health Insurance Scheme have now increased the total number of NHIMA registered members to over 5.3 million, translating to 27.1 percent of the population, which is below the 50% target.

NHIMA Head-Public Relations, King Syacika said while the 50% target has not been met, the Authority will not relent and continues to onboard members, in line with its mandate to facilitate access for the poor and vulnerable people to insured health care services.

In response to a press query sent by Money News, Mr. Syacika expressed optimism that the high uptake of the Scheme will see the 50% target exceeded and draw the Authority closer to Universal Health Coverage.

“Following the launch of the countrywide NHIMA membership registration and card distribution campaign in July 2024, the Authority has seen a rise in enrolment of members to the Scheme.”

“The Authority has continued to register members on a daily basis at the head office, each of the provincial offices and in NHIMA accredited public hospitals through our Member Service Assistants (MSAs) who are stationed at the facilities. We also offer card capturing services at each of our provincial offices and distribute them on a weekly basis all around the country,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mr. Syacika disclosed that NHIMA paid out about 3.29 million claims in number in 2024, representing an increase of 15% from the previous year.

However said the biggest challenges with implementation of the Scheme include a generous benefit package compared to the contributions, a very open and vast Healthcare Provider (HCP) network and fraudulent behaviour by some accredited health institutions.

“We have therefore reviewed and updated our benefits package as we do every year, limited accreditation of healthcare providers to public facilities for the time being, and dis-accredited those that are found wanting,” he said.