SHA Suspends 12 Hospitals Over Fraudulent Claims, Duale Vows Crackdown

File image of Social Health Authority HQ

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has suspended twelve hospitals across the country over fraudulent claims, in a move aimed at safeguarding public health funds.

Speaking on Saturday, April four, in Garissa County, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the affected facilities were flagged by forensic auditors for engaging in serious fraud under the SHA scheme.

“These are hospitals, mainly private and public, that the system and SHA forensic auditors have flagged as facilities involved in serious fraud,” Duale said.

He emphasized that the government will not allow misuse of resources meant for the treatment of Kenyans, adding that strict measures are in place to protect public healthcare funds.

“We will protect public resources meant for the treatment and healthcare of our citizens,” he added.

The suspended facilities include Bungoma West Hospital, Baypharm Medical Center, Dawida Annex Hospital, Kerugoya Medical Center, and Raycos Health Center.

Others are Calvary Hope Medical Center, Shamberere Dispensary, Kurafa Medical Center, Umoja Three Medical Center, and Pro Elite Westlands and Specialist Hospital.

Duale further warned that political interference will not derail the ongoing crackdown on facilities engaging in fraudulent SHA claims.

He revealed that twenty-four additional health facilities are currently undergoing forensic audits over suspected fraud.

“I want to tell the owners of these facilities that political parties will not help you. So far, we have twenty-four facilities undergoing forensic audit. We have a duty, under the law, to protect public resources,” Duale stated.

The latest action comes months after SHA suspended forty health facilities over similar allegations of fraudulent activities targeting the authority.

In a gazette notice issued by SHA Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi, the authority stated that the affected facilities would not access any SHA benefits during the suspension period.

“In accordance with the provisions of the Social Health Insurance Act, the health facilities listed shall not be entitled to any benefit from the Social Health Authority during the period of their suspension,” the notice read.

Some of the previously affected facilities were located in Homa Bay County, including Rachuonyo County Hospital, Kotiende Medical Centre, Nyatoto Health Centre, Queen Rivers Medical Centre, Archprime Medical Clinic Oyugis, and Torics Nursing Home.

In Nairobi, the suspended facilities included Salama Yard Medical Centre, Vebeneza Medical Centre in Tassia, ABM Specialized Hospital, Imara Healthcare Centre, Dolma Medical Center, Lengo Medical, St Johns Hospital Limited, Edris Premier Hospital Limited, Bristol Park Hospital in Fedha, and Selacare Health Services.