Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has urged Kenyans to embrace the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) for universal health coverage (UHC), describing it as a crucial step in providing affordable healthcare to all citizens. Duale, speaking at a fundraising event for Harhosa Mixed Day Secondary School in Marsabit County on Sunday, stressed that unlike the defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), which primarily benefited employed Kenyans, the SHA aims to ensure all citizens have access to healthcare services.
The CS condemned critics of the SHA, labeling them as “fraudsters” who are resisting the program to protect their illegal financial interests linked to the outdated NHIF. Duale highlighted concerns over certain private hospitals allegedly making fraudulent claims, citing cases where facilities in Moyale claimed to have doctors but did not deliver services. He emphasized that these opponents are motivated by financial gain rather than genuine concerns for the health of Kenyans.
Duale also called on residents from the North-Eastern region, including Marsabit, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Isiolo, and Tana River, to actively enroll in the program. He noted that these regions had low enrollment numbers and assured them that SHA teams would visit to facilitate the registration process. The health ministry is making efforts to ensure that the SHA reaches every corner of the country to offer quality and affordable health services.
Additionally, Duale addressed ongoing investigations into fraudulent billing practices by some health institutions and doctors. He revealed that the government was actively pursuing claims of false billing and warned that institutions found guilty of such practices would face blacklisting. Despite the challenges the SHA faces, including operational glitches and dishonest practices, Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the program a success and ensuring that every Kenyan has access to essential healthcare services.
As Kenya grapples with healthcare challenges, SHA represents a critical step toward reforming the health sector, but its future hinges on the success of both its implementation and efforts to combat corruption within the system.
