SHA ABANDONS OTPS, SWITCHES TO BIOMETRICS VERIFICATION FOR HEALTH ACCESS

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has officially phased out the use of One-Time Passwords (OTPs) for patient verification, transitioning to a biometric authentication system in an effort to enhance efficiency and curb fraud under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The move comes after months of complaints from patients and healthcare providers over delayed access to services due to slow OTP delivery and network challenges. Some patients were forced to wait for hours before being served, prompting backlash across the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa confirmed the biometric system will now be used at point-of-care facilities, with identification linked to the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to strengthen the accuracy and security of patient data.
"Biometric verification will streamline service delivery, prevent identity misuse, and eliminate delays that have hindered access to timely healthcare," Barasa stated.
The rollout began in late 2024 and is ongoing, with biometric devices already deployed in select hospitals. However, some facilities still rely on OTPs as SHA works toward full national implementation.
Kenyans are now required to present their national ID cards for verification at health centers. The outdated NHIF cards have been rendered obsolete under the new UHC framework.
Health stakeholders have welcomed the shift but are urging SHA to expedite the rollout to cover all regions and avoid disruptions in service delivery.