NHIF: Clinix chiefs to face House team
Directors of one of the companies at the centre of investigations into the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) affair will on Monday appear before the parliamentary committee on health for questioning.
An MP who sits on the committee said the directors of Clinix Healthcare Ltd will be questioned about the company’s controversial deal with the national health insurer to implement a medical cover scheme for civil servants and teachers.
This comes amid allegations that powerful forces have been pleading with some members to go easy on the investigation.
Nairobi businessman Jayesh Saini is expected to be present for questioning. Clinix has featured prominently in the parliamentary investigation.
The committee has been trying to establish the company’s ownership. It has indicated that it is investigating possible links to Mr Saini. (READ:MPs link hospital owner to NHIF scandal)
The Nairobi businessman’s family runs Nairobi West Hospital where he is a director.
Clinix reportedly received about Sh92 million from NHIF for non-existent facilities under the capitation scheme. The hospital chain has 56,000 principal members under the scheme.
The decision by the health provider that embarked on a rapid expansion only recently has raised eyebrows.
Only 22 of the current 71 outlets across the country were operational by December last year with the rest being established from January.
A source on the committee said he had received anonymous calls asking him to ‘go easy’ on the investigations.
But committee chairman Robert Monda told the Sunday Nation he was not aware of any pressure to sway the investigation.
“I cannot say at this point that anyone is trying to stand in the way of the committee.
“I do not know, but they are yet to reach me and if they do, we know exactly what we shall do because the rules and procedures of Parliament are very clear.”
Medical Services minister Anyang Nyong’o and his Public Service counterpart Mr Dalmas Otieno will appear before the committee on Tuesday morning.
Prof Nyong’o will later on Tuesday afternoon give a ministerial statement on the matter in Parliament.
