The Ministry of Health has increased daily funding for ICU and HDU services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The public insurance scheme will now cover Ksh28,000 per day for ICU services, up from Ksh4,600. The Ministry announced the changes on social media, stating that this sixfold increase will protect families from high medical costs during emergencies.
Last month, Health CS Deborah Barasa proposed the new rates. She confirmed that ICU funding had jumped from Ksh4,480 to Ksh28,000 per day. Barasa also promised that the official rollout would happen soon.
Previously, SHA determined daily ICU and HDU rates based on hospital levels. Patients in Level 4 hospitals received up to Ksh3,360 per day, those in Level 5 hospitals were covered up to Ksh3,920 per day, while Level 6 hospitals had a maximum of Ksh4,480 per day. SHA provides each household with 180 days of ICU or HDU coverage annually. Patients must co-pay the extra amount if hospital costs exceed the set limits.
SHA covers each household for 180 days of ICU or HDU care annually. Patients must co-pay the extra amount if hospital costs exceed the set limits.
During the February National and County Health Summit, hosted by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, CS Barasa confirmed the government had revised benefits and tariffs. She also announced additional funding through the supplementary budget to support higher ICU coverage.
The government also increased funding for cancer patients. Oncology services will now receive Ksh550,000 per patient, up from Ksh400,000. “We listened to public concerns and raised the allocation by Ksh150,000,” Barasa stated.
Despite these improvements, SHA faces financial challenges. The government has raised concerns over low contributions, especially from informal workers. Last month, CS Barasa and Director General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth warned that only 3.3 million out of 20 million members actively contribute to SHA