A growing number of patients across the country have come out to share testimonies of their healthcare experiences following the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the newly introduced Social Health Authority (SHA).
Since the September 2024 phase-out of NHIF, many patients from both referral hospitals and lower-level facilities have been speaking out about the differences they’ve encountered under the new system.
These firsthand accounts range from faster access to emergency care, support for chronic conditions, and significant relief for maternity and cancer patients.
At Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi, Naomi Chebet, a resident of Pipeline Estate, recounts how she benefited from SHA services during her recent childbirth.
“From the moment I was admitted to the time I was discharged, everything was taken care of, and I didn’t have to pay a cent,” she shares.
Chebet learned about SHA from a friend, registered, and made her payments seamlessly. When the time came, SHA supported her throughout the delivery, marking a positive start to her healthcare experience.
Her sentiments were echoed by Franscisca Mumbua, another new mother at the same hospital. Mumbua had initially feared that her medical expenses would be overwhelming, but thanks to SHA, she left the hospital without having to pay a penny.
“I was admitted here having registered for SHA and as days went by, my bills accumulated and during discharge, I wasn’t sure how I would settle those costs. However thanks to SHA, all my expenses were covered. For those claiming that SHA isn’t helpful, I want to give my testimony that the cover is helping women and everybody else so let’s register ourselves [sic],” Mumbua narrates.
Similarly, Abigail Nzioka, a new mother and a Linda Mama beneficiary, also praised SHA for covering her entire maternity care.
“So far, I have not been asked for any money, and nothing has been required from me. All my needs have been covered by SHA,” she says, expressing her gratitude for the system.
Under SHA, maternal care has seen significant improvements. For example, normal deliveries are covered up to Ksh 10,000, while caesarean sections are covered up to Ksh 30,000.
The system also includes antenatal care and one ultrasound scan.
Beyond maternity care, SHA has also received praise for its support of patients with chronic conditions, particularly those needing dialysis and cancer treatment.
Many dialysis patients have reported a smoother experience accessing treatments, especially as SHA has reduced the financial burden of attending frequent sessions.
Asunta Nthambi, a dialysis patient, shared her experience of receiving affordable care at a government hospital, which is far less expensive than the high costs typically charged by private facilities.
Cancer patients, too, have experienced a notable improvement in their care under SHA. Gabriel Munyao, a cancer patient at Makueni County Referral Hospital, detailed his positive experience with the new system:
“They normally cater for three sessions per week, as well as drugs. We transitioned smoothly from NHIF to SHA. The staff are very friendly and helpful. They just ask me afew questions about my cover, they feed into the computer and I get services,” states Munyao.
Mutiso Matilu, another cancer patient, also shared how SHA has made a tangible difference in his treatment.
“The transition from NHIF to SHA was smooth, and I prefer the new system. Now, I can access blood tests, screenings, and medications without paying anything,” he says.
This smooth switch has been a relief for many patients like Munyao and Matilu, who no longer have to worry about the financial burden of their life-saving treatments.
On their part, doctors too have noted the positive impact of SHA on their ability to deliver care.
Dr Savo Brian from Makueni Cancer Centre highlights this noting, “One thing I’m happy for in the Oncology department is that what values can access in Onclogy was added. Patients can now access services of up to Ksh 400,000 meaning a patient can run all the cycles they can, every diagnostic case can be done, and generally I guarantee you as Onclogy we are very happy happy with SHA. Now we shall never run out services for the patients.”
In the first month following the nationwide transition to SHA, the system has provided over Ksh 2.6 billion in healthcare services, covering essential areas such as maternal and child health, dialysis, mental wellness, and oncology as the Ministry of Health data shows.
Despite the fact that more than 13 million Kenyans have registered for SHA, many have not yet added their dependants to the system.
This is an easy and direct process which requires you to go the sha.go.ke, access your profile, go to “Add Dependants” section and follow the preceding instructions.You can add your children, spouse or other family members under your care.
Read also: SHA Made Simple: How to Add Your Dependants on SHA
With the testimonies from patients and doctors on the benefits enjoyed since the onset of SHA, it is important for those yet to register, especially in the informal sector, to do so.
Once registered, individuals can determine their premiums using the SHA means-testing tool, which calculates payment based on income.
Thereafter, payments can then be made via M-Pesa Paybill Number: 200222, with the account number being the individual’s ID number.
After payment confirmation, registered members will be eligible for medical services across the country.
By Nairobi