The State Department for Medical Services Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai has issued a warning to private hospitals boycotting the Social Health Authority (SHA).
Speaking on Monday, March 17, Kimtai said by withholding services, private healthcare providers are blackmailing both the government and citizens.
He stated that hospitals failing to comply with the constitutional mandate to provide healthcare services risk license renewal challenges.
“They should not blackmail the government; they should not blackmail citizens by stopping offering services. If they continue like this, it is obvious; that they are also subject to renewal of licenses.
"If you are not compliant, we will say, 'if you don't want to offer services in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya, then close shop - that is not the right business you are supposed to do," he said.
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The warning comes after several private hospitals announced they would not onboard SHA services, citing concerns over reimbursement delays among other issues.
However, recently, the Rural Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) called off the boycott of SHA services following President William Ruto's recent directive on clearing the 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 the 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.
