In a major policy shift aimed at reducing the burden of high medical bills, the Government of Kenya has announced an increase in benefit packages for cancer and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) treatments under the Social Health Authority (SHA). The move is a direct response to public pressure and the escalating cost of healthcare, ensuring that more Kenyans have access to affordable, quality medical services.
The announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary for Health, Barasa, during a high-level consultative forum on the status of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) held at the official residence of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Nairobi.
“This revision is part of our ongoing reforms to strengthen the SHA and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF),” said Barasa, emphasizing that the government is committed to providing Kenyans with better health coverage. “We are increasing funding through a supplementary budget to significantly raise the amount allocated for ICU care.”
Under the new changes, ICU patients will see their daily treatment funding rise from Ksh4,480 to Ksh28,000—a more than six-fold increase. Additionally, cancer patients receiving oncology treatments at accredited facilities will benefit from an additional Ksh150,000, bringing the daily allocation from Ksh400,000 to Ksh550,000.
“These revisions will ease the financial strain on families facing critical illnesses,” Barasa added, stressing the government’s dedication to making healthcare more accessible to all citizens.
The changes come after a review of the health insurance packages, and Barasa confirmed that the revised benefits will undergo the necessary legal processes for gazettement.
The government is also addressing public concerns over overseas treatment. Barasa revealed that eligibility for such treatments would require approval, as the SHIF Act allows for overseas medical services only when they are unavailable locally. The government is currently reviewing these overseas treatments in collaboration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC).
“We are ensuring that those seeking treatment abroad do so within an accredited framework to prevent misuse of the system,” she explained. “Our priority is to safeguard government resources and ensure that treatments are legitimate.”
The announcement comes at a crucial time as Kenyans face the dual challenge of managing high medical expenses and navigating an often complex healthcare system. The government’s commitment to improving the SHA and expanding UHC is seen as a significant step towards a more equitable healthcare system for all.
