Government Defends SHA Payments, Says 43 Digital Systems Anchoring Health Transformation Will Ensure Value For Every Shilling
The government said the digitization is key to sealing loopholes, enhancing transparency and ensuring that healthcare resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
President William Ruto during Health Summit at KICC. Photo: William Ruto.
By Robert Mutasi
The Government has assured Kenyans that every payment made by the Social Health Authority (SHA) is anchored in law, regulations and established accountability mechanisms, as it defended the ongoing transformation in the health sector.
In a statement issued on the sidelines of the Kenya Health Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, the Ministry of Health said the transformation in the sector has been underpinned by a robust digital framework comprising 43 integrated systems that enable seamless delivery and management of services from end to end through the Digital Health Authority.
The government said the digitization is key to sealing loopholes, enhancing transparency and ensuring that healthcare resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
“As responsible stewards of public resources, we assure Kenyans that every payment made by the Social Health Authority (SHA) is anchored in the law, regulations and established accountability mechanisms. Our commitment is to ensure that every shilling invested in healthcare delivers value to the people of Kenya,” the statement read.
The assurance comes amid public concerns over SHA reimbursements to health facilities and questions over its sustainability following the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The Ministry hosted a town hall meeting on the sidelines of the summit, bringing together stakeholders from across the health sector to listen, engage and chart the way forward on the transformation agenda. The forum brought together doctors, nurses, clinical officers, county health executives, private sector players and development partners.
During the engagement, the government assured doctors that it will engage the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board in constructive dialogue towards the conclusion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to avert unnecessary industrial action by medics.
“We assure our doctors that the Government will engage the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board in constructive dialogue towards the conclusion of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement to avert unnecessary industrial action by medics,” officials said.
The government also announced that it is reviewing the SHA benefit package to expand coverage to more ailments and medical conditions, in a move aimed at easing the financial burden on households seeking specialized care.
Further, in keeping with the commitment made in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, the State is finalising the inclusion of free diapers for new mothers as part of the SHA benefits package.
“We are also reviewing the SHA benefit package to expand coverage to more ailments and medical conditions. Further, in keeping with the commitment we made in our manifesto, we are finalising the inclusion of free diapers for new mothers as part of the SHA benefits package,” the statement added.
The Kenya Health Summit, themed “Reforms Delivered; Health as a Right,” is expected to produce a Joint UHC Acceleration Plan to guide implementation of Universal Health Coverage across the country.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has previously said the digital system will ensure real-time tracking of claims, patient verification and facility accountability, ending fraud that plagued the former NHIF system.
The government urged Kenyans to register for SHA and support the reforms, saying the new system is designed to ensure no Kenyan is denied quality healthcare due to lack of money.
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