Relief for patients as private hospitals lift SHA ban after Ruto deal

Private hospitals have resumed offering services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) after President William Ruto ordered the partial payment of a debt owed by government to the facilities. 

The Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) lifted the suspension Thursday, coming just hours after the Head of State issued the directive.

The development is a relief to patients across the country as private hospitals have been boycotting SHA, leaving thousands of sick Kenyan stranded as the facilities were demanding upfront payment for medical services.

The debt owed to the facilities was inherited from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

Dr Ruto assured hospitals that all their claims will be paid, except for those that are Sh10 million and above as they will have to wait longer for verification.

“The government is fully committed to providing Universal Health Coverage to every Kenyan without discrimination. I would like to assure all Kenyans that any challenges being experienced in the implementation of Taifa Care are being attended to and resolved,” said President Ruto.

RUPHA said the decision to lift the boycott is in the best interest of patients, but also asked Parliament to expedite approval of the supplementary budget that is needed to implement pending claims.

“While we acknowledge the need for verifying claims above Sh10 million, we urge the government to disburse at least Sh10 million upfront to these facilities. We will continue to monitor the implementation of these commitments,” said Dr Brian Lishenga, RUPHA chairperson.

Ultimatum from faith-based hospitals

Separately, faith-based hospitals have issued a 14-day ultimatum to government to settle a Sh10 billion debt owed to them. If not, they say, they will require patients to pay cash for services at their facilities. 

The government’s outstanding debt to these facilities includes Sh6.8 billion in National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) arrears, Sh2.2 billion in unpaid Social Health Authority (SHA) claims, and Sh1 billion under the Medical Assistance and Loans for Livelihoods (MAKL) programme, which has remained unpaid since July last year.

“We have reached the painful decision since we cannot afford to take in more debt after numerous engagements with the Ministry of Health, SHA and some government leaders,” said faith-based leaders. 

hshikanda@ke.nationmedia.com