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{
    "id": 1401008,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1401008/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 169,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Nakhumicha",
    "speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for Health",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 520,
        "legal_name": "Reginalda Nakhumicha Wanyonyi",
        "slug": "reginalda-nakhumicha-wanyonyi"
    },
    "content": "The second question on whether the Government has conducted an inquiry into this matter, and if so, if the Cabinet Secretary could table the report of its findings, I wish to respond as follows: I confirm that the MoH, NHIF and KMPDC have been actively addressing cases of medical fraud within the healthcare sector. Through joint efforts and investigations, several facilities have been identified and subsequently, suspended for engaging in fraudulent activities that compromise patient care and violate ethical standards. I would like to note that authorities have taken steps to investigate and address instances of medical insurance fraud. Efforts have been made to scrutinize the practices of healthcare facilities, assess compliance with regulations, and hold to account those found to be involved in fraudulent schemes that are detrimental to both patients and insurance providers. There are ongoing investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) involving 10 healthcare providers currently suspended by the NHIF Board. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I have annexed the list in my response. We collectively strive to uphold the integrity of the healthcare systems and protect the welfare of patients and insurance beneficiaries. I encourage continued collaboration among stakeholders, effective enforcement of regulations and clear communication to promote trust and accountability in healthcare delivery. The third question is on the measures the Government has put in place to ensure accountability by healthcare facilities and to provide compensation to the victims of medical insurance fraud. The Government of Kenya has implemented and is working on various measures to enhance accountability and combat medical fraud within healthcare facilities. One of the efforts that the Government has put in place is the health facilities census and we did this last year in August. The Government conducted a comprehensive census of health facilities to create a database that facilitates the monitoring and regulation of healthcare facilities. This initiative aims to identify and verify facilities to ensure compliance with standards and detect any unauthorized fraudulent practices. The second measure we have taken is the repealing of the NHIF Act, of 1998. The decision to repeal this Act and enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act of 2023 is a strategic move by the Government to strengthen regulatory frameworks and enhance oversight mechanisms within the healthcare sector. By enhancing the Social Health Insurance Act, the Government will introduce updated provisions that safeguard against fraudulent activities, improve transparency and enforce accountability measures for healthcare facilities and providers. I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, and Senators, because this House participated in the enactment of those laws during the process. The Ministry appreciates the Senate for the effort they put in. We are in the process of procuring a smart digital system. The Government is in the process of acquiring this system designed to combat fraud activities. This signifies a proactive approach to addressing malpractices in healthcare delivery. The sophisticated digital system will streamline data management, facilitate real-time monitoring of healthcare transactions and employ advanced analytics to detect anomalies or The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}