The Executive Committee of the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has lifted the suspension of Social Health Authority (SHA) services in private hospitals with immediate effect.
In a statement on Thursday, March 6, RUPHA said it acknowledges the progress made following their collective action, which has resulted in President William Ruto’s directive to begin settling National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) arrears.
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“We recognize that this directive does not fully resolve all concerns but represents a critical first step in addressing the financial distress facing healthcare facilities,” read the statement in part.
“After extensive deliberations, we have reached a decision to call off the boycott of SHA services, effective immediately, while closely monitoring the government’s actions to ensure full implementation of its commitments.”
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RUPHA Calls Off SHA Boycott After Ruto’s Orders on NHIF Debts
RUPHA stated that it called off the boycott after President Ruto directed the immediate payment of all NHIF claims below Ksh 10 million, covering 88% of all affected healthcare providers (2,986 facilities).
This, according to them, is a relief that will ensure the majority of their members, particularly Level 2, 3, and 4 hospitals, regain financial stability and continue operations.
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Also Read: Private Hospitals Announce Suspension of SHA Services
The Head of State on Wednesday, March 5, ordered for the payment of a Ksh10 million claim from 91 percent of the hospitals that were contracted by NHIF.
Additionally, Ruto indicated that the remaining 9 percent of hospitals with total claims above Ksh10 million would be subjected to a verification exercise.
After 90 days, the President explained that a payment plan would be agreed upon for the remaining facilities.
Services Under MAKL Remain Suspended
However, RUPHA stated that the suspension of services under Medical Administrator Kenya Limited (MAKL) will continue due to a complete lack of action on the part of MAKL in addressing the concerns raised by providers.
According to the hospitals, MAKL has not conducted any reconciliation of existing debt owed to providers, meaning hospitals cannot track what is due or outstanding.
“While we recognize progress on SHA payments, MAKL has completely failed to engage or act on the issues raised by RUPHA members, leaving healthcare facilities with unresolved financial uncertainty,” RUPHA said.
Also Read: Ruto Orders Immediate Payment of NHIF Claims
RUPHA mentioned that MAKL is not issuing remittance advice for payments made to facilities and hospitals and has no visibility on what is being paid, how it is calculated, or how deductions are applied.
It added that MAKL continues to impose unilateral discounts of 10-30% on hospital invoices without justification or the provider’s consent.
“Given these issues, RUPHA reaffirms that the suspension of MAKL services will continue until these matters are resolved,” it stated.
“We urge the immediate intervention of the underwriters of the MAKL scheme, namely Minet and CIC, to address these grievances and ensure fair business practices.”
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