The Kenyan healthcare landscape is undergoing significant changes as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) transitions into the Social Health Authority (SHA). Officially operational from October 1, 2024, SHA aims to provide a more streamlined and comprehensive social health insurance system. This change is designed to ease the financial burden on Kenyans by addressing the increasing cost of healthcare services through government-funded schemes. In this article, we will explore SHA’s contact details, registration process, and the services it offers, including its toll-free contact phone number: 0800 720 601.
Why Was the Social Health Authority (SHA) Created?
The SHA was established to alleviate financial stress on Kenyan households caused by high hospital bills and other healthcare-related costs. As an improvement over NHIF, the SHA ensures broader access to health services, particularly for urgent and critical conditions. By integrating various healthcare services under one roof, SHA hopes to enhance service delivery and provide a more efficient health coverage model for Kenyans.
How is SHA Different From NHIF?
The Social Health Authority is a revamped version of NHIF and represents a structural shift in how health insurance in Kenya will operate moving forward. Unlike NHIF, which managed a single pool of funds, SHA will oversee three distinct government-funded healthcare funds:
- Primary Health Care Fund: Focused on basic health services, including those provided at dispensaries and health centers.
- Social Health Insurance Fund: Covering broader health insurance needs beyond primary care.
- Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund: Designed for serious health conditions, offering coverage for emergency and chronic illnesses.
What Services Does SHA Cover?
By signing up for SHA, individuals gain access to a wide range of healthcare services, including:
- Road rescue services
- Accident and emergency services
- Outpatient and inpatient care
- Maternal, newborn, and child health services
- Kidney care therapies
- Mental wellness and rehabilitation services
- Surgery (including transplants)
- Cancer treatment services
- Medical imaging and diagnostic services
- Overseas treatment options for special cases
Who Needs to Register for SHA?
Every person living in Kenya, including citizens, residents, and refugees, is required to register for SHA to access these services. With this initiative, the Kenyan government aims to ensure universal health coverage.
How to Register for SHA
There are several ways to register for SHA, providing flexibility and ease of access for all:
- Self-registration via USSD: Dial *147# on your mobile phone and follow the prompts.
- Online registration: Visit the official SHA portal at sha.go.ke.
- Community registration: Seek assistance from your local Community Health Promoter (CHP).
- In-person registration: Visit a SHA branch or a Huduma Centre near you.
SHA Contact Phone Number: Toll-Free Help
If you need assistance with SHA registration, benefits, or general inquiries, the SHA offers a toll-free customer service hotline: 0800 720 601. You can call this number at no charge to get support on:
- Registering for the scheme
- Understanding your health coverage
- Locating SHA offices
- Getting help with healthcare services
- Any other SHA-related queries
SHA is also available through various digital platforms to offer more ways to reach customer service, including:
- Email: customercare@sha.go.ke
- Facebook: Social Health Authority
- Twitter (X): @_shakenya
- YouTube: @socialhealthauthority
The launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s healthcare sector. By providing universal health insurance coverage through multiple funds, SHA ensures that both basic and critical health services are available to all residents, regardless of financial status. With accessible registration methods and a dedicated toll-free line (0800 720 601) for customer support, SHA is well-positioned to improve the health outcomes for Kenyans. Make sure to register today and take advantage of the wide range of services designed to safeguard your health and well-being.
For more information, visit sha.go.ke or dial *147# to get started.
