Step down over NHIF scandal, Nyong’o told
What you need to know:
- Minister should resign to pave the way for probe, lobby demands
Medical Services minister Anyang’ Nyong’o has been told to resign over the controversial health scheme for civil servants.
The National Civil Society Congress on Sunday demanded that the minister steps down to pave way for investigations into how millions of shillings were released to health providers under the scheme.
“Neither should the recently formed caretaker committee be used as an attempt to cover up corruption,” the lobby’s chairman, Mr Maurice Odhiambo, told journalists at a Nairobi hotel.
Mr Odhiambo said President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga should borrow a leaf from Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete who fired six ministers over corruption and non-performance.
He claimed that the NHIF saga was a smokescreen for politicians to raise funds for election campaigns.
It also emerged on Sunday that one of the firms at the centre of the controversy, Clinix Healthcare Ltd, is an approved health service provider under the Parliamentary Service Commission Medical Scheme.
An official, who confirmed the developments, said that the firm offered services to parliamentary employees and not MPs.
“Clinix Healthcare Ltd is a sub-branch of Nairobi West Hospital which is a health service provider under the Parliamentary Service Commission Medical Scheme,” he said.
The directors of Clinix are expected to appear before the parliamentary committee on health on Monday for questioning.
Nairobi businessman Jayesh Saini, who is associated with Nairobi West Hospital, is expected to be present.
Clinix reportedly received Sh92 million from NHIF for non-existent facilities under the capitation scheme.
Meanwhile, Medical Services assistant minister Kazungu Kambi wants the money given to the clinics refunded.
Mr Kambi alleged that the money had been wired into private accounts outside the country. “We know them and we are going to name them,” he said on Sunday in Malindi.
He claimed the minister was aware of the scandal, but failed to act in time to save the situation. (READ: Take responsibility over NHIF saga, Nyong'o told)
