Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has suspended 27 hospitals that were found to be involved in fraudulent activities, resulting in a loss of Sh171 million.
In a statement on Friday, January 5, Nakhumicha noted that the Ministry of Health audited 67 hospitals between January and December 2023 out of which 27 were found to be engaged in fraudulent activities.
“Extrapolating this to the total population of 8,886 hospitals, it is estimated that approximately 3,440 might have been engaged in fraudulent activities, potentially exceeding Kes 20 billion in losses from about 40% fraudulent hospitals. Luckily 60% carry out clean business.
“The identified facilities have been suspended, and recovery of fraudulent claims is proceeding,” read the statement in part.
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According to CS Nakhumicha, the facilities enticed patients into unnecessary medical procedures, especially in Nairobi, Meru, Nyahururu, Muranga, Kerugoya, Makueni, Tharaka Nithi, Subukia, Nanyuki, Bungoma, Chuka, and Machakos.
“Fictitious records, manufactured claims, and deceptive practices, such as falsely indicating members undergoing major surgeries while actively at work, have all contributed to defrauding the Fund,” she stated.
The Health CS observed that some hospitals targeted groups of security guards from licensed security firms, financially inducing them to provide biometrics for fraudulent purposes.
Nakhmicha also pointed out that the ministry identified anomalies where facilities were conducting an exceptionally high number of eye surgeries in a day, ranging from 10 to 22 while their capacity allows them to conduct two surgeries in a day.
She further mentioned that the healthcare facilities have been enticing healthy students, under the EduAfya cover providing food incentives for their biometrics.
“Additionally, cases involving nurses stationed in schools collecting biometrics of non-ill students to lodge fictitious claims have been unearthed, significantly exploiting the scheme,” CS Nakhumicha added.
The hospitals include; Jekim Hospital -Nkubu Ltd, Jekim Medical Centre, Joy Nursing & Maternity, Amal Hospital Ltd, Beirut Pharmacy and Medical Centre, St. Peter’s Orthopedic and Surgical Specialty, Afya Bora Hospital Annex Ltd in Mwea, Charity Medical Centre, Queens and Kings Hospital, Chest & Skin Clinic and Kiritiri Medical Healthcare.
Others are Meswo (Tunza) Medical Services, Familia Bora Medical, Naivasha Quality Healthcare, Bingwa Family Clinic, Elburgon Nursing Home, Nyamira Jamii Medical, St. Joseph Shelter of Hope, Lenmek Hospital, Equity Afia Buruburu, Muranga High School Dispensary, Mathingira Medical Centre, Ruai Medical Centre and Thuti Medical Clinic.
