Health CS Barasa to make inaugural Question Time appearance in Senate

Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, is set to make her inaugural appearance at Question Time before the Senate this morning at 9:30 AM.

The CS is expected to address lawmakers’ questions on the Social Health Authority (SHA) amid the withdrawal of services by private and mission hospitals over Ksh 30 billion in pending bills.

Other key inquiries include one from a senator seeking to know the amount of money in the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) accounts at the time of transition to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), as well as the current status of the bank accounts holding these funds.

Senator Enoc Wambua has also raised questions regarding the funds collected by the government since the new SHIF was established in October 2024, how the funds have been utilized, along with measures in place to prevent any misappropriation.

Other queries include the status of medical interns, their stipends, working conditions, and whether there are support systems and programs in place to address their physical and mental well-being.

Additionally, Kirinyaga Senator is seeking a briefing on which programs will be affected by the Trump administration’s withdrawal of funding and the mitigation measures the government has implemented to address these challenges.

In the face of the crisis, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing free primary healthcare services in all public health facilities nationwide and clearing outstanding claims under the now-defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

In a statement, the Social Health Authority (SHA) assured Kenyans that registered members can access free primary healthcare services at government facilities without restrictions.

The authority stated that it has contracted 8,600 healthcare providers to ensure accessibility, with a full list available on its website and Huduma Centers.

SHA disclosed that it has disbursed Ksh5.1 billion this week, bringing the total payouts since October 2024 to Ksh18.29 billion.

Additionally, primary healthcare facilities have received Ksh1.3 billion under a new capitation model, with 51% allocated to private providers.