Insurer spends up to Sh65m on addictsThe National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) spent Sh65.3 million in the last financial year for rehabilitation of 685 drug and substance abuse patients. The NHIF drug rehabilitation package caters for treatment of those admitted for chronic drug use, including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, heroin, mandrax and cocaine. According to 2017 National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse’s Rapid Situation Assessment survey on drugs and substance abuse, alcohol abuse contributes the highest burden of substance use disorders locally. The NHIF scheme caters for rehabilitation treatment through a package-based mode of payment, which was enacted in 2011 following ratification and approval by the board. They are Chiromo Lane Medical Centre, Retreat and Raphaelites Red Hill place in Limuru, Mariakani nursing and rehabilitation centers and Brightside Drug Abuse and treatment Centre.

Source: Standard Digital March 10, 2019 21:29 UTC