The government, through the Ministry of Health, has been urged to fully pay for services provided by private hospitals under the Social Health Assurance (SHA) scheme.
Speaking to Baraka FM, Pamela Makokha, a representative and member of the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA), emphasized the numerous challenges faced by private hospitals when offering services without receiving payments from the designated authorities.
Makokha stated that the government’s actions are putting private hospitals at risk of closure if they continue to provide services without appropriate payment.
“Private hospitals face many challenges. We need assistance from the government, but being required to provide services without payment under the SHA insurance scheme is severely impacting our daily operations,” Makokha said.
She also pointed out that private hospitals have similar needs to public hospitals, and the financial strain of providing services without compensation is becoming overwhelming.
Makokha further called on the government to address the confusion surrounding the SHA insurance scheme and ensure that private hospitals are paid for the services they provide.
“Healthcare workers are facing significant challenges, and we need to ensure that healthcare services are delivered efficiently without being affected by financial difficulties,” she added.
Regarding the mismanagement of public funds in private hospitals, Makokha urged the government to conduct investigations and hold accountable those responsible for the misappropriation of public funds.
“I urge the government to conduct thorough research and hold accountable those individuals who misappropriate public funds in private hospitals,” she stated.
This call for action comes as the Ministry of Health, led by Permanent Secretary Harry Kimtai, threatens to close private hospitals due to ongoing disputes over unpaid bills.
