The Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has called off the boycott of Social Health Authority (SHA) services following President William Ruto's recent directive on clearing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) debt.
In a communication to its members on Thursday, March 6, RUPHA confirmed that SHA services have been reinstated while they monitor the directive's implementation.
RUPHA stated that while ruto's directive does not fully resolve their concerns, it marks a crucial step in addressing financial distress facing healthcare facilities.
"We recognize that this directive does not fully resolve all concerns but represents a critical first step in addressing the financial distress facing healthcare facilities.
"After extensive deliberations, we have reached a decision to call off the boycott of SHA services, effective immediately, while closely monitoring the government’s actions to ensure full implementation of its commitments," RUPHA said.
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At the same time, the association maintained the suspension of Medical Administrators Kenya Limited (MAKL) services.
"However, the suspension of MAKL services remains in place due to a lack of action on key provider concerns," RUPHA added.
Additionally, RUPHA said it also called for immediate partial payments to facilities with significant outstanding claims.
The association warned that if this commitment is not honored, it would escalate the matter to Parliament and consider further action.
"For facilities owed more than Kshs 10M, RUPHA has formally requested an upfront payment of Kshs 10M while awaiting verification of larger claims to ensure financial stability for all providers. If this commitment is not honored, we are prepared to escalate engagement with Parliament and take further action," RUPHA said.
On Wednesday, March 5, Ruto announced a plan to clear the outstanding debt left by the NHIF.
In a statement, he said the government will immediately make full payments to hospitals with claims of Ksh10 million and below.
He added that hospitals with claims exceeding Ksh10 million will undergo a verification process to be completed within 90 days before a structured payment plan is implemented.
"The government has resolved to pay all hospitals with total claims of Ksh10 million and below in full, representing 91 per cent of all facilities that were contracted by NHIF.
"The remaining 9 per cent of hospitals, with total claims of above Ksh10 million, will be subjected to a verification exercise that should be completed within 90 days after which a payment plan will be agreed on," the statement added.
Ruto said a verification committee will be established and officially gazetted within a week.
