The Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF) is a cornerstone of Kenya’s health system, providing essential healthcare services to all registered citizens. Fully funded by the government, the PHF ensures that every Kenyan, regardless of income or status, can access vital health services.
READ ALSO: The Complete SHA Funds Guide
This article explores the benefits financed by the PHF, highlighting its key features, scope of services, and who stands to gain the most.
Understanding the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF)
Key Features of Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF)
- Government-Funded: The PHF is sustained entirely through taxpayer money, making it free for all members registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA).
- Universal Access: All registered SHA members, irrespective of whether they contribute premiums, can access healthcare services financed by the PHF.
- Comprehensive Scope of Services: The fund emphasizes basic healthcare services, including consultations, preventive care, immunizations, maternal and child health, and treatment of common illnesses.
Who Benefits from Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF)?
Every Kenyan citizen who registers with SHA can access the services provided by the PHF. This fund is particularly beneficial for low-income individuals who may struggle to afford private healthcare options, thereby ensuring that essential health services are within reach for all.
Benefits Financed by the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF)
1. PHC Outpatient Care Services
Scope of Cover: The PHF covers a wide array of outpatient care services, including:
- Management of acute and chronic conditions
- Consultations with healthcare professionals
- Laboratory investigations and imaging
- Prescription medications
- Vaccinations
- Outpatient procedures
- Management of mental health conditions
- Health wellness counseling
- Antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) services
Tariff: The fund operates on a global budget capitation of KES 900 per person per annum.
Access Rules: Members can choose to access these services at Level 2, 3, and selected Level 4 primary health care referral facilities.
2. Optical Health Services (Eye Health)
Scope of Cover: This includes:
- Eye health education
- Comprehensive eye tests
- Treatment of refractive errors through the provision of eyeglasses
Tariff: The limit for this service is set at KES 1,000 per household for beneficiaries below 18 years of age.
Access Rules: Services can be accessed at Level 2 to Level 4 facilities.
3. PHC Inpatient Care Services
Scope of Cover: The PHF also finances inpatient care services, which cover:
- Management of diseases during hospitalization
- Consultation services
- Bed charges and nursing care
- Laboratory and radiology examinations
- Prescription drugs and post-discharge medications
- Physiotherapy
- Administration of blood and blood products
Tariff: The rate is KES 2,240 per day, allowing for comprehensive care during hospital stays.
Access Rules: There is a limit of 180 days per household for inpatient services.
4. Screening Services
Scope of Cover: Screening is included as part of initial assessments to identify potential health issues requiring further evaluation or immediate intervention.
- Common health conditions are targeted for screening and financed under outpatient services.
- The PHF plans to roll out targeted screening for the top four cancers with the highest incidence rates: Breast, Prostate, Colon, and Cervical cancers during the second year of the fund’s implementation.
Access Rules: These screenings will be available under outpatient services.
Conclusion
The Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF) is a vital resource in Kenya’s healthcare system, designed to ensure that all citizens can access essential health services without financial strain. By covering a comprehensive range of outpatient and inpatient services, optical health, and screening for critical health conditions, the PHF plays an instrumental role in promoting public health and well-being.
READ ALSO: Consequences of Submitting Multiple Entries for DV Lottery 2026
As the fund matures and expands its services, it promises to enhance the overall health landscape in Kenya, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations. By prioritizing access to quality healthcare for all, the PHF exemplifies a commitment to building a healthier, more equitable future for every Kenyan citizen.
Tutorials Handbook is your trusted online resource blog for clear, insightful and comprehensive blog posts tailored to the unique needs of Kenyans. We cover a wide range of topics such as: Tutorials, Services, Business, Finance, Education, Jobs, Social Media and Technology, providing practical, informative and step-by-step blog posts on a day to day basis. We empower Kenyans by delivering accurate, helpful and relevant information.
FIND AND APPLY FOR THE LATEST JOBS IN KENYA TODAY