Government Cautions Private Hospitals on SHA Non-Compliance, Risks Blacklisting

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• 50% of private hospitals enrolled in the Social Health Authority are refusing to use the system, demanding cash from patients, leading to potential blacklisting.
• The government is working to resolve issues and has released Ksh.1.5 billion to healthcare facilities, with more funds on the way.

Two days after President William Ruto urged private hospitals to complete their enrollment with the Social Health Authority (SHA), half of the registered private medical facilities have been accused of denying services to Kenyans under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) scheme. 

Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai, speaking in Mombasa, stated that these hospitals are deliberately avoiding the SHA system and demanding cash payments from vulnerable patients. He warned that such facilities face the risk of being blacklisted for their actions.

Kimtai emphasized that some hospitals are offering excuses, claiming system malfunctions, but in reality, they are refusing to use it. He stressed that if Kenyans are asked for cash upfront, they should report the facility for immediate action. 

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Since the rollout of the new healthcare system three weeks ago, many Kenyans have expressed frustration, as they are now forced to pay out of pocket for services previously covered by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

The government is facing increasing pressure to resolve these issues, with Kimtai pointing out that the system works for dialysis patients but is deliberately not being used for others. 

To ensure the proper implementation of the new system, 47 county technical steering committees have been established to oversee over 7,000 health facilities. 

The campaign will be led by County Commissioners and County Health Executive Committee Members (CECMs), with faith-based organizations also playing a role in monitoring progress.

Josephine Onunga, the County Commissioner for Taita Taveta, highlighted the ongoing efforts to address technical issues, train healthcare workers, and improve the system’s rollout. 

SHA CEO Elijah Wachira added that hospitals are being trained to use new, more efficient equipment. Kimtai reaffirmed that CECMs are responsible for ensuring all facilities provide services under SHA. 

Additionally, the government has released Ksh.1.5 billion to health facilities, with another Ksh.3 billion to be distributed soon, and all pending bills are expected to be settled within 90 days.