NHIF wins award for innovative programme
NHIF chief executive officer Geoffrey Mwangi speaks during a press conference at Panafric Hotel in Nairobi on August 22, 2017. NHIF has been awarded for its innovative programmes targeting vulnerable groups. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Mwangi urged more elderly people to register for the scheme, saying they require more care.
- The programme was to ensure that those in dire need of health care benefit from both inpatient and outpatient care packages.
The National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) has been rewarded for its innovative programmes to reach the poor after it was named the best insurer in Africa.
NHIF was rewarded by International Social Security Association (ISSA) during the regional forum for Africa held in Ethiopia.
The association recognised NHIF as the best in health insurance subsidy programme for the poor, the elderly and persons with severe disabilities.
“NHIF has shown and proved that taking care of the elderly and disabled, who are mostly forgotten, is achievable. This is a commendable job,” ISSA president Joachim Breuer said.
VULNERABLE PEOPLE
The programme, which was introduced in 2015, was to ensure that those in dire need of health care benefit from both inpatient and outpatient care packages through the Health Insurance Subsidy Programme.
The government pays premiums for the poor at Sh500 monthly for a segment whose numbers have increased from 23,000 in 2015 to the current 160,000 vulnerable people including their spouses and children.
“If our government can maintain paying insurance for the less fortunate and all other informal sectors plus formal sector making their premium payments, we shall have no out-of-pocket payment. This will benefit all,” Mr Geoffrey Mwangi, NHIF chief executive officer, said.
PAYMENT
Mr Mwangi urged more elderly people to register for the scheme, saying they require more care.
The insurer was also voted the best in payment of health insurance premiums via mobile money in Africa.
