The government has issued a stern warning to private healthcare providers, cautioning that those who refuse to offer outpatient services risk severe penalties, including deregistration from the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking during the launch of digitization devices in Embu County, Principal Secretary for Health Services, Harry Kimtai, emphasized that the SHA is fully operational and that concerns about its effectiveness largely stem from non-compliance with established guidelines.
He pointed to improvements in the benefits package and increased revenue collection as proof of progress in the system.
Kimtai warned that private hospitals denying patients outpatient services in an attempt to pressure the government into settling outstanding medical claims without proper verification could face exclusion from SHA registration.
Facilities that fail to renew their licenses may also face closure.
“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.
The PS also raised concerns over claims dating back to 2016, questioning why they were only being pursued now.
“Why have these claims not been presented earlier?” he asked, signalling the government’s commitment to rigorous scrutiny of all financial claims.
The event also marked the rollout of the Health Management Information System (HMIS) in Embu County, with healthcare administrators urged to embrace the digital system to enhance service delivery.
The system aims to improve transparency and accountability in the management and disbursement of SHA funds, benefiting both public and private healthcare facilities.
In Embu County, the government has already disbursed Ksh 32 million under the SHA program to support 24,000 outpatients, Ksh24 million allocated to public healthcare facilities and Ksh 8 million to private hospitals participating in the program.
The number of registered SHA beneficiaries determines the allocation of funds across counties.
Moses Kuria, the President’s Economic Adviser for Special Programs, reinforced the government’s position, emphasizing that patients under SHA are entitled to free primary medical services at public facilities.
He reiterated that the program is focused on improving both the quality and accessibility of healthcare services nationwide.
The government’s firm stance on enforcing SHA regulations is part of broader efforts to ensure all Kenyans, regardless of their financial status, can access quality healthcare services.
By KBC Digital
