P4H partners are now represented and active in the health financing inter-agency committee (ICC), formerly known as the Health Financing Task Group, which is working on the health financing agenda and particularly on the implementation of the health care financing policy and strategy (HCFS). As part of the strategy process, Germany (GTZ) with co-funding from DFID is implementing a first pilot phase, testing the provision of social health protection through social health insurance in one district and the waiving of user fees in another. Further, in response to the request of the Government of Kenya on “Developing an integrated social protection policy for Kenya”, ILO is providing policy advice based on an assessment of the current social protection scheme for both formal and informal economy workers and their families. To address the key obstacles to achieving universal coverage and providing access to essential health benefits as identified in the report, ILO suggests an integrated strategic approach, focusing on: affordability at national and household level; accountability and sustainability; maximizing fiscal space; increasing capacity for implementation; the monitoring of reforms to increase coverage and expand benefit packages; redefining the roles of existing provider schemes; and improving social dialogue.
The coordinated efforts in Kenya have led to the development of a bill by the Ministry of Finance, based on the health financing strategy and with due consideration of: the recommendations made by the National Social and Economic Council; a concept note for establishing a Health Benefit Authority Board, as foreseen by the HCFS; the recruitment of a healthcare financing strategy project team; and the identification of suitable pilot districts.
