This situation has left many doctors frustrated and worried about the health of their patients. Due to the challenges brought about by SHIF, critical operations are being postponed, and patients cannot access the treatments they need.
Many doctors are concerned that the delays in scheduling surgeries will have long-term consequences for their patients’ health. Patients with chronic illnesses, like cancer, are particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Bosibori Ondari, a radiation oncologist, has expressed her fears for her patients needing urgent care.
She shared that her patients often rely on the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) for their treatments, but the new system has disrupted their care. With the cost of each treatment session at Ksh 40,000, many patients cannot afford the additional expenses.
“It is sad,” Dr. Ondari said. “I am in my car contemplating how to end this mess. Of the five patients scheduled, only one has come. She still doesn’t have the SHA invoice.” Her situation highlights the struggles that many doctors and patients are facing due to bureaucratic challenges.
A surgeon, who wished to remain anonymous, shared similar frustrations.
“Without the SHIF, we can’t book surgeries or even admit patients for urgent procedures. It’s heartbreaking to see people in need, knowing there’s little we can do.”
The absence of the insurance fund has forced hospitals to delay or cancel procedures, leading to long waiting lists for patients, some of whom are in life-threatening situations.
Dr. Vitalis Ogolla, a dentist, questioned the government’s intentions behind changing the insurance system.
He expressed concern that the new deductions for SHA would only benefit those looking to profit, rather than improving healthcare services for Kenyans. “Is this a struggle to kill enterprises in this country?” he asked.
Patients are feeling the effects of these changes, especially those undergoing cancer treatments. For many, missing a treatment session can lead to a higher risk of cancer recurrence.
A study from the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed that skipping chemotherapy could allow the disease to progress, putting patients at greater risk.
The fear of missing treatment hangs heavy over many patients, including Lucy Mwangi, a breast cancer patient who has struggled to secure funds for her sessions since the insurance changes took place.
Lucy shared her story of coming from Mombasa to Nairobi for treatment only to find that the system was down.
“I was informed that approvals for treatment weren’t being processed smoothly. They asked me to pay cash upfront to receive care,” she said, expressing her desperation and frustration.
With each targeted therapy session costing Ksh 260,000, Lucy is worried about how she will raise the additional funds.
The Kenyan Network of Cancer Organizations (KENCO) has also raised alarms about the situation. They warn that the disruptions in care are leaving many patients without the necessary treatments, which can lead to severe health consequences.
“This disruption leaves cancer patients exposed to disease progression, which is unacceptable,” they stated, urging the government to act quickly to ensure that patients can continue accessing services without interruption.
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