The Ministry of Health is set to begin mass registration of Kenyans to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) starting July 1, 2024.

SHIF aims to provide holistic healthcare for all Kenyans by expanding coverage and reducing costs.

According to a document published by Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, registered Kenyans will be able to enjoy six free services at SHIF-accredited hospitals in the country.

“Kenyans can register on the phone, at public hospitals and also by the 100,000 Community Health Promoters across the country,” the dispatch reads in part.

The listed services are Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, HIV testing and follow-up tests, family planning, antimalarial medication and testing, and anti-tuberculosis and immunisation services for children.

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“ARVs, antimalarials, anti TBs, and associated tests, family planning commodities, and KEPI vaccines will be provided at public facilities and faith-based & private facilities that report to the health information system,” Nakhumicha added.

The Ministry further listed guidelines and tariffs for other services including outpatient and inpatient services. For outpatient services, the tariff was put at Sh2,000 with a limit of four visits per person in a year.

On the other hand, in-patient services offered at Level 4 facilities will be charged at Sh3,500 while the tariff for Level 5 and Level 6 facilities will be charged at Sh4,000 and Sh5,000 respectively.

“Inpatient services shall include management of disease/condition while admitted and that includes intra-admission consultation and reviews by both general and specialist consultants, laboratory investigations, medical imaging, procedures, and medication.”

Meanwhile, normal delivery and essential newborn care will be charged at Ksh11,200, while cesarean section and essential newborn care will be charged at Ksh32,600.

The new system aims to ensure equity and access to healthcare services by covering individuals previously left out by the current healthcare fund.