Faith-Based Hospitals Call for Streamlined Payments and Improved Healthcare Access

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By James Nyaigoti,

In a crucial meeting today, the Ministry of Health convened with stakeholders from faith-based health organizations to discuss the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the new Social Health Authority (SHA), as well as the phased implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Ministry also acknowledged ongoing efforts to identify key areas for improvement in the country’s overall healthcare system.

Faith-based mission hospitals, which play a significant role in providing healthcare across the country, have raised concerns about persistent challenges in healthcare service delivery. A particular focus has been on issues surrounding payment systems and the equitable access to essential services. Mission hospitals often rely on fees collected for services rendered, making the timely processing of payments critical for their continued operations.

In recent consultations, several areas were identified as requiring urgent attention. While progress has been made in some areas, key challenges, especially delayed payments for services provided, continue to hinder effective healthcare delivery. Faith-based organizations are calling for a more efficient system that not only ensures patients can register for and access services easily but also supports greater accountability in tracking service delivery and progress. To this end, a detailed list of priorities has been presented to the relevant ministries, as well as to the Chair of the Social Health Authority.

One of the most pressing concerns is the delay in payments for services rendered by these hospitals. Delays in processing payments disrupt the operations of faith-based hospitals, which rely heavily on fees for sustaining their services. There is a collective call for the establishment of clear timelines to settle outstanding payment claims and ensure that new claims are processed in a timely manner. The Ministry of Health has committed to clearing pending payments by the end of the current month, which has sparked optimism that the new system can be more effective in its execution.

Another significant concern raised during the discussions is the issue of healthcare workers’ access to services within the very facilities they serve. In many cases, healthcare staff face difficulties accessing the services they need within their own institutions, forcing them to seek care from other facilities. This has led to a strong appeal from faith-based hospitals for the inclusion of their staff and communities in the outpatient services provided, especially at Level 5 facilities.

“Everyone deserves equal access to healthcare services, especially when they are digitally registered,” one stakeholder remarked.

This comment highlights the need to address systemic barriers to ensure that healthcare workers and their families are not left out of the benefits of the healthcare system they help sustain.

To enhance accountability and address emerging challenges, stakeholders have proposed the establishment of monthly meetings to monitor progress and assess the effectiveness of ongoing efforts. These meetings will provide a platform for documenting progress and ensuring continued dialogue between government agencies and faith-based healthcare providers.

The faith-based healthcare sector remains hopeful about resolving the ongoing challenges. By streamlining payment systems, improving access to services, and fostering greater collaboration with government partners, mission hospitals are committed to continuing their vital work in providing quality healthcare, especially to underserved populations across the country.

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