Pepela was speaking during a serene Sunday service at the Oasis of Grace Church in Misikhu, Ndivisi Ward, Webuye East, where he shared blessings and praised Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Susan Nakhumicha for her decisive actions in restructuring the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi expressed his commendation for the steps taken by CS Nakhumicha in restructuring and streamlining the NHIF office.
He assured that Parliament is fully prepared to support reforms in the health sector. Additionally, he cautioned the judiciary against any actions that could potentially derail or delay the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) policies.
“Our Parliament is fully committed to bringing reforms to the health sector,” he said.
CS Susan Nakhumicha recently disclosed the suspension of 27 hospitals following an audit that revealed their involvement in misappropriating over Ksh171 million through the NHIF scheme.
The government has suspended 27 hospitals for allegedly being involved in fraudulent activities that resulted in a loss of Sh171 million.
Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha said the facilities were among 67 hospitals that were audited between January and December 2023.… pic.twitter.com/chDAr7S8XK
— TheStarKenya (@TheStarKenya) January 5, 2024
According to the CS’s statement, out of the 67 audited hospitals, 27 were found to be engaged in illegal activities such as inducing illnesses, activating dormant NHIF accounts of members, and specifically targeting vulnerable groups in society, notably the elderly.
The fraudulent activities against the elderly were predominantly noted in counties such as Nairobi, Meru, Nyahururu, Muranga, Kerugoya, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Subukia, Nanyuki, Bungoma, Chuka, and Machakos.
CS Nakhumicha highlighted that the suspension periods for these hospitals will range between 3 to 6 months. She also pointed out that certain hospitals colluded with licensed security guards to fraudulently acquire biometric data.
Accompanying the area MP, Hon. Wanyonyi, were Ndivisi Ward MCA Hon. Mukhanya, Hon. Kaangale, Hon. Khasabuli, among other dignitaries during the church service at Oasis of Grace Church.
The MP reiterated his support for CS Nakhumicha’s efforts to curb fraudulent activities within the NHIF, emphasizing the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in the health sector.