Post: Government Cautions Private Hospitals Against Sabotaging SHA

Embu: The government has cautioned private hospitals that have declined to offer outpatient services under the Taifa Care program, warning that they risk having their operation licenses revoked. Health Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai emphasized that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against facilities jeopardizing the lives of Kenyans, describing their actions as sabotage of the national medical scheme.According to Kenya News Agency, during a speech in Embu Town at IFAD Hall, where new digitization devices for the Taifa Care health program were handed over, PS Kimtai accused some private hospitals of deliberately denying outpatient services. This, he stated, was a manipulative scheme to pressure the government to settle outstanding medical claims owed under the defunct NHIF. Kimtai declared that the government would not be coerced into meeting their demands, reiterating its commitment to settling all claims.Kimtai firmly stated, "We will not succumb to pressure; private hospitals with claims exceeding Sh10 million must provide verifiable supporting records for scrutiny." He warned that failure to comply would result in serious actions, including the suspension of operations for non-compliant hospitals. He reminded them, "If you have a license to provide healthcare services and you are not doing so, then you have no business to continue operating."Expressing frustration, Kimtai criticized the timing of the claims, suggesting an intentional move to discredit the SHA program. "Why are these hospitals demanding payment for claims dating back to 2016 now? Why didn't they pursue these claims earlier?" he questioned. He emphasized that the SHA program aims to ensure all Kenyans, whether visiting public or private hospitals, can access essential medical services without financial barriers. Kimtai urged private hospitals to honor their commitment to public health by offering the mandated outpatient services under SHA.Kimtai further highlighted that the digital systems are expected to bring tran sparency to a process historically shrouded in mystery and manipulation. "The government is determined to track every shilling, ensuring that it reaches the right facilities and serves the people who need it most," he asserted.Moses Kuria, the President's Economic Advisor for Special Programs, added that under the SHA program, Kenyans are entitled to receive free primary medical services at government facilities. In Embu county alone, the government has allocated Sh32 million for outpatient services, benefitting more than 24,000 people. Kuria noted that Sh24 million was allocated for public facilities, with Sh8 million designated for participating private hospitals. He also remarked that the amount each county receives depends on the number of registered SHA beneficiaries, ensuring equitable resource distribution.