Governor Kihika Addresses Reports Linking Naivasha Facility to SHA Treatment Denial

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has refuted claims alleging that a patient registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) was denied surgery at Naivasha Sub-County Hospital. 

The reports alleged that SHA declined to authorise the procedure because the tumour had not reached a certain size. 

The report suggested that the patient’s employer was left with no option but to pay Ksh33,500 in cash for the surgery.

However, in a statement on Wednesday, July 2, Kihika issued a statement clarifying that there is no official record of such a patient or surgery at the facility.

"I wish to clarify that there’s no record of the patient named in the media report at Naivasha Sub-County Hospital, nor has such lipoma surgery been reported at the facility. Our hospitals maintain accurate records and uphold the highest standards of care,” she stated.

Kihika further affirmed that all hospitals in Nakuru County strictly follow SHA protocols and have successfully carried out similar procedures under the programme.

"All Nakuru County hospitals adhere to SHA protocols and have successfully performed similar procedures under these guidelines, ensuring patient safety and quality outcomes,” she added.

Kihika urged the public and the media to exercise caution and verify such claims through the proper channels before publishing or acting on them.

"I urge the public and media to verify such information with the Department of Health Services to avoid unnecessary alarm,” she further said.

This comes a week after Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale was forced to address controversial remarks made by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura regarding access to Social Health Authority (SHA) services by Hustler Fund defaulters.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, June 23, Mwaura had suggested that Kenyans who defaulted on Hustler Fund loans would be barred from accessing SHA benefits. 

"If you took a Hustler Fund loan and defaulted, we will make arrangements to ensure that you don't get Social Health Authority (SHA) benefits because you must pay your loan; a total of Ksh6 billion in defaulted loans is a lot of money," he said.

However, responding to the remarks, Duale dismissed Mwaura’s statement and reiterated the government's commitment to health coverage.

"The information is inaccurate. All Kenyans have a right to access Social Health Authority (SHA) services regardless of their engagement with Hustler Fund," the CS stated.