Geoffrey Mwangi replaces Kirgotty as NHIF boss

NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 9 – The National Hospital Insurance Fund has made top management changes, appointing Geoffrey Mwangi as its acting Chief Executive Officer.

He replaces Simeon ole Kirgotty who joined the fund from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in changes taking effect from February 9.

The changes are contained in a letter signed by the NHIF Board chairman Mohamud Ali to Mwangi.

It is understood that Kirgotty’s term has come to an end.

The changes come barely a week after the fund doubled benefits for its members.

The new in-patient cover for contributors seeking medical attention in government health facilities will be Sh1,200 and Sh4,000 at private hospitals.

The Fund will pay Sh10,000 per session of kidney dialysis from Sh2,000 while patients undergoing a kidney transplant will get a Sh500,000 cover from the current Sh200,000.

The new rates for maternity package for persons undergoing a normal delivery will be Sh10,000 and, “a caesarean section delivery up to Sh30,000. This is an increase of 67 percent from the current rates of Sh6,000 and Sh18,000 respectively.”

The NHIF Chairman said the new rates and other benefits introduced are geared towards attainment of Universal Health Coverage.

Due to the increased exposure of chronic conditions currently being experienced in the country, he said the Fund has introduced a package to cater for Chemotherapy at Sh25,000 per session, Radiology at Sh18,000 per session and monthly clinics at Sh5,000 per month.

“The Fund has also introduced specialised radiological diagnostic services whereby members will access MRI at Sh15,000 per session and CT-scan at Sh8,000 per session,” he added.