The Ministry of Health continues to operationalise the Social Health Insurance Act, No. 16 of 2023 (the SHIA) and has established the Social Heath Authority (SHA). The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is scheduled to come into operation by 1 October 2024. The Ministry of Health has published this notice indicating the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHIF and providing for the registration of employees.
Employers are required to register employees and their dependants with SHA through the SHA Employer Portal by 1 October 2024. The last date for admission under NHIF is 30 September 2024. Benefits under SHIF will begin on 1 October 2024.
Payments received on or before 9 October 2024 will be credited to NHIF, and payments received from 9 November 2024 onwards will be credited to SHIF.
Civil Appeal (Application) No. E565 of 2024, which appeals the High Court’s decision in HC Petition No. E473 of 2023 – a ruling that declared the Primary Health Care Act, Digital Health Act, and SHIA unconstitutional – has yet to be heard and determined by the Court of Appeal.
As the regulatory landscape evolves, we are committed to providing timely and relevant updates on the active litigation and the implementation and impact of the SHIA.
