The Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman) has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Public Health to address reports of Kenyans being denied healthcare services following the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA).
In a statement released on Sunday, October 6, the Office of the Ombudsman expressed concern over reports that some healthcare facilities were turning away patients seeking dialysis and cancer treatments if they were not registered under SHA unless they paid for the services in cash.
"The commission has given the Principal Secretary State Department of Public Health and Professional Standards seven days to respond to reports that Kenyans are being denied essential health care services owing to the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).
"Several health facilities are reported to be turning away patients not registered under SHA seeking cancer treatment and dialysis unless they make payments in cash," read part of the statement.
The commission has demanded that the Public Health Principal Secretary (PS) disclose the total number of registered NHIF members as of September 30, as well as the current number of individuals registered under SHA, to determine those at risk of being denied care during the transition.
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At the same time, the commission has called on the PS to explain the steps taken to ensure that the public is adequately informed about how to access healthcare services during this transition period.
The commission is also seeking clarification on the measures being implemented to address the challenges that the public is facing while trying to access medical care during this time.
On September 30, SHA Acting CEO Elijah Wachira directed all contracted healthcare providers to continue offering dialysis and cancer services to patients.
Wachira ordered the hospitals that no patient seeking dialysis or cancer services should be denied treatment.
Similarly, on October 3, the Ministry of Health urged all healthcare providers to ensure that every patient visiting a hospital receives the necessary services.
The ministry emphasized that primary healthcare facilities (level 1-3) should offer services free of charge.
Meanwhile, the newly rolled out SHA is mandated to manage the three healthcare funds established through the four healthcare bills.
The three funds under SHA include the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF), the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and the Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIL).
However, each fund will serve a specific purpose and will be available to all Kenyans who register with SHA.
