The government has taken a firm stance against private healthcare providers that fail to comply with the Social Health Authority (SHA) guidelines, warning that non-compliant facilities risk severe penalties, including deregistration.
Speaking at the launch of digitization devices in Embu County, Principal Secretary for Health Services, Harry Kimtai, emphasized that the SHA is fully operational. He dismissed concerns about its effectiveness, attributing challenges to non-compliance by some healthcare providers.
Kimtai highlighted significant improvements in the benefits package and increased revenue collection as key indicators of progress under the SHA system. He warned private hospitals against denying outpatient services to patients covered by SHA as a means of pressuring the government into settling outstanding claims without proper verification.
“We will not be held hostage by facilities that refuse to provide outpatient care while demanding unverified payments. Any claim exceeding Sh10 million must be fully substantiated with supporting documentation,” Kimtai stated. He also questioned the timing of claims dating back to 2016, expressing skepticism about why they were only being pursued now.
As part of its enforcement measures, the government has signaled that private hospitals failing to renew their licenses may also face closure. This move is intended to ensure that all healthcare providers adhere to SHA regulations, thereby improving service delivery and financial accountability within the sector.
The launch event in Embu County also marked the rollout of the Health Management Information System (HMIS), a digital platform aimed at enhancing transparency in the management and disbursement of SHA funds. The system is expected to benefit both public and private healthcare facilities by streamlining financial processes and reducing inefficiencies.
In Embu County alone, the government has already disbursed Ksh 32 million under the SHA program to support 24,000 outpatients. Of this, Ksh 24 million has been allocated to public healthcare facilities, while private hospitals participating in the program have received Ksh 8 million.
Moses Kuria, the President’s Economic Adviser for Special Programs, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that patients covered by SHA receive free primary medical services at public hospitals. He underscored that the program is designed to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare services across the country.
The government’s firm stance on SHA enforcement is part of broader efforts to guarantee that all Kenyans, regardless of financial status, have access to quality medical care.
