State House Chief Explains Why Hospitals Demand Cash from Patients Despite SHA Rollout

The head of Public Service Felix Koskei has addressed reports of some health facilities demanding cash from patients despite the government rolling out the Social Health Authority (SHA) on October 1, 2024. 

Speaking the media on October 30, Koskei stated that some facilities not yet contracted with SHA were asking for cash payments from the patients.

Koskei in his statement explained why this is happening yet the implementation of SHA is 95 per cent complete.

“Some hospitals that have not contracted with SHA and are not in the system, so every other time when a patient goes because perhaps, they are not aware they demand payment.”

“But a SHA-contracted facility has not demanded payment whatsoever. As we speak, SHA has been meeting its obligations when it comes to maternity, infant care, and other services that they are offering,” he further added.

Furthermore, he affirmed the details of claims of Faith-based institutions, Private Hospitals and even Government facilities that are being processed for disbursement to these institutions.

Further, he noted that the government is satisfied with the speed at which SHA is rolling out its services.

Also Read: Govt Threatens to Blacklist Hospitals Defying Ruto’s SHA Directive

Koskei SHA Positions and NHIF Staff

At the same time, the head of public service affirmed that no NHIF staff will lose their Job.

He noted the apprehension, anxiety and tension by the staff of the defunct NHIF who have expressed concerns about their Job security.

Accordingly, they held discussions and took a position. 

“We have given them very clear assurance that no one will lose their job,” Koskei asserted.

Furthermore, he elaborated that SHA currently has one member of staff who is acting as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), adding that the entire complement of SHA has not been completed.

Speaking of the remaining positions, he noted that the NHIF staff deserve the priority, and they will be granted the opportunity.

Also Read: Concerns as Patients Share Bed at a Hospital in Nairobi

SHA Contracts Health Facilities

Despite the announcement by the Ministry of Health regarding contacting the health facilities, some are yet to onboard. 

“The Authority therefore intends to contract HCPs and HCFs for the provision of Health care Services to SHA beneficiaries,” the Authority said on Thursday, September 26. 

 However, the Authority stated that The System will only accept the Applications that meet the set criteria as stipulated in the Application Form.

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