SHA Faces Major Setback From Private Hospitals

Photo Collage of CS Barasa and SHA logo : Photo courtesy

Over 600 private rural hospitals affiliated with the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) have declared their departure from the Social Health Authority beginning Monday, February 24.

The hospitals have given the government a 3-day ultimatum to settle NHIF arrears totaling Sh30 billion; otherwise, patients will be required to pay in cash if their warnings are carried out.

The head of RUPHA also mentioned that certain civil servants with government-supported insurance will be denied treatment beginning Monday, February 24.

“We will stop providing medical services (to some civil servants) using the government insurance from Monday,” announced Rev Joseph Kariuki, Deputy Chairperson, RUPHA.

Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, with Kenyatta National Hospital CEO Dr Evanson Kamuri, interacting with a mother at the hospital, January 16, 2025. Photo MoH

This action was required due to the government's inability to pay for the services provided last year.

"It follows months of failed engagements, unfulfilled promises, and growing financial distress among hospitals, which now threatens the very survival of healthcare institutions across Kenya," RUPHA.

The organization stated that this action is essential to compel the government to enhance its services and raise the Global Budget Capitation for outpatients, as some members have lost their hospitals.

"This model is a direct threat to patient safety, forcing hospitals into cost-cutting measures that will compromise the quality of healthcare. We refuse to put Kenyan lives at risk.

"We urge Parliament, civil society, and professional bodies to support urgent reforms that will protect the healthcare system from complete collapse," RUPHA.

The sole urgent request to the government from the organization is for the government to assume responsibility and address the debts with a clear strategy, allowing services to resume.