The government has unveiled plans to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure the utmost efficiency of the proposed Social Healthcare Insurance Fund (SHIF). Dr. Elizabeth Wangia, Head of Health Financing at the State Department for Medical Services, revealed in an interview the government’s strategy to integrate AI into the system to detect and prevent anomalies.

“We are incorporating AI to monitor facilities and services in real time, aiming to curb corruption and ensure transparency within the healthcare system,” Dr. Wangia emphasized.

The move is set to revolutionize SHIF’s operations, providing real-time data to preemptively identify and address potential loopholes previously exploited by unscrupulous individuals.

Highlighting the significance of the AI integration, Dr. Timothy Olweny, Chairperson of SHIF, stated, “This innovative approach will revolutionize how we oversee healthcare services, ensuring fair and equitable distribution of resources.”

Moreover, Dr. Wangia explained how the AI system would be interconnected with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) data to link services with registered medical practitioners, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency.

The government further announced a seamless transition from the current National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHIF by the end of 2024, with a self-registration process for Kenyans during the initial stages of SHIF’s implementation.