Government Warns Private Hospitals Over Compliance with New Health Insurance System

Since the introduction of the Social Health Authority (SHA), there has been widespread public dissatisfaction as patients are now paying out-of-pocket for healthcare services previously covered under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). During Mashujaa Day celebrations, President William Ruto urged private hospitals to expedite their enrollment with SHA to address the ongoing public concerns. However, some private healthcare providers participating in the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) scheme have been criticized for allegedly denying services to registered Kenyans.

While speaking in Mombasa, Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai expressed concern that certain private hospitals are intentionally avoiding the SHA system by demanding cash payments, which contradicts the government’s plan to offer free healthcare services to all citizens. PS Kimtai emphasized that private facilities must comply with government directives, warning that hospitals denying care to underprivileged citizens could face deregistration.

Kimtai further disclosed that the government will soon release an official list of hospitals participating in the SHA program to help Kenyans identify facilities contracted to provide free healthcare services. He added that newly formed county technical steering committees will inspect over 7,000 healthcare centers registered with SHA to ensure compliance with government regulations.

The PS highlighted the government’s collaboration with faith-based organizations in every county to facilitate smooth implementation of the new healthcare scheme. Additionally, the National Treasury is set to release an additional Ksh3 billion to hospitals, following a recent disbursement of Ksh1.5 billion, to clear outstanding debts owed by the government to healthcare providers.