The Government of Kenya through the Social Heath Authority (SHA) is seeking to contract Healthcare Providers (HCPs) and healthcare Facilities (HCFs) for the provision of healthcare services to the beneficiaries.
In a notice by the Authority on Thursday September 26, the statement cited in part, “The Authority therefore intends to contract HCPs and HCFs for the provision of Health care Services to SHA beneficiaries.”
“The Authorized hospital administrator of empaneled HCPs and HCFs uploaded on the SHA website, will be required to create a log-in account and proceed to access the Application for Contracting Form from the Authority’s website, www.sha.go.ke free of charge using this link; sha.go.ke/resources/econtract,” SHA further elaborated.
At the same time, the Authority affirmed that HCPs and HCPs seeking to be contacted will have to complete all the Sections of the Application Form accurately.
In addition, provide the essential information and documents required before clicking on the SUBMIT button.
However, the Authority stated that The System will only accept the Applications that meet the set criteria as stipulated in the Application Form.
Successful applications shall receive notification of contracts online with the benefit package and tariffs.
The HCPs and HCFs whose applications will be successful and upon receiving notification shall be required within two days from the date of receiving the contract, to peruse and accept the terms and conditions of contract.
If in acceptance with the terms and conditions of services the authorized person to append the electronic signature on behalf of HCP or HCF, will do so and thereafter submit the contract.
The Authority will receive the submitted signed contract electronically and executed by the Accounting Officer through an Electronic Signature. After execution the contract will be accessible to the HCP or HCF electronically in an encrypted format which cannot be edited.
Pursuant to Section 33 and 34 of the SHI Act, the Authority is mandated to contract licensed and empaneled HCPs and HCFs as per the list submitted from time to time by the relevant accreditation bodies.
Also Read: Govt to Issue 70,000 Mobile Tablets to Healthcare Workers Ahead of SHA Rollout
SHA Benefit Package and Provider Payment methods
The Authority has also outlined the various benefits packages that the SHA beneficiaries will enjoy upon registration. Additionally, it has outlined the payment methods in place ahead of the SHA rollout on 1ST October.
“The Authority vide Legal Notice no. 146 dated 20th September 2024 and in compliance with Section 32 of the SHI Act published the Benefit Package and Provider Payment methods that will be applicable with effect from 1st October 2024,” the statement cited.
Further, the Authority added, “The benefit package includes inter alia: – outpatient services, inpatient and critical care services, dialysis, assistive devices, last office services, accident and emergency services.”
Other more benefits include, overseas treatment, maternity services, surgical services, optical services, dental healthcare services, oncology services, pharmacy benefits package, mental health service, rehabilitative services, medical imaging services, specialized essential diagnostic services, and screening for common diseases.
Also Read: Ruto Appoints New SHA Chairperson
The Govt’s Priority on Healthcare
Healthcare care delivery is one of the core pillars of the Government of Kenya in executing its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
In the plan, it has identified several commitments on how to deliver Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Among the commitments is the enactment of the Social Health Insurance Act, No. 16 of 2023 (SHI Act) on 19th October 2023 with a commencement date of 22nd November 2023.
“The key mandate of the SHI Act is to provide healthcare financing to all Kenyans and longtime residents,” the Authority affirmed.
Further, the Authority reiterated, “The Act has further created three funds namely: the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHC), the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF).”
