The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to following the law in addressing the long-standing pending bills owed by the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

In a statement shared on his X account on August 14, 2025, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale noted that the Ministry would fully respect the court’s decision on the matter.

“The Ministry of Health under my leadership will uphold and respect the decision of the court, but we shall be guided by the same constitutional provision of Articles 223, 206(1)(b), Public Finance Management Act 2012, Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015, Appropriations Act, Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act, and parliamentary oversight on how the NHIF pending bills will be settled,” Duale stated.

The CS maintained that verification of the claims was a crucial, non-negotiable step before any payments could be made.

“Verification of the pending claims is not negotiable, and we shall protect public resources. We shall consult on how the verification will be done in accordance with the supreme law of the land,” he added.

NHIF has faced mounting pressure over unsettled claims from hospitals and service providers, some of which date back several years, with the High Court squashing a decision by the CS to establish a committee to verify its pending bills, citing lack of legal powers.

Duale’s remarks indicate that the ministry will take a cautious, law-driven approach to prevent fraudulent or inflated claims, while ensuring genuine debts are honoured.