Hospitals turn away patients with SHA cover

Patients seeking health services at facilities under the Rural-Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) were turned away Thursday due to the suspension of services by over 600 facilities, citing unpaid claims.

A spot check in the Western region revealed that most private and faith-based hospitals were not offering services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) cover.

Robert Masinde, a resident of Kakamega County, was forced to look for a private doctor after being turned away from a private hospital.

“I’ve been told SHA is not operational, and I’ve had to look for a private doctor. I urge the government to resolve all issues surrounding SHA, including clearing the arrears of the defunct NHIF, so that Kenyans can access medical services. People are suffering,” said Masinde.

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Sammy Imbwga was unable to get dental treatment at Lumino Hospital due to the suspension of SHA cover services.

“I have paid my SHA contributions, yet I am being told to pay Sh1,500 for dental services. I want to tell President William Ruto that you cannot lead a sick nation and expect development. Our President should focus on fixing all the issues affecting SHA and clear all arrears under the defunct NHIF. Mr President, please be a listening leader because Kenyans are suffering under your watch,” said Imbwga.

At Central Nursing Hospital in Kakamega, the number of patients was notably low following RUPHA’s directive. “Since morning, we’ve not received any referrals despite this being a level four facility. However, we are still offering services for those who can afford to pay cash,” said Ikutwa Isutsa, the hospital administrator.

Similarly, at Avenue Hospital in Kakamega, the facility reported a low number of patients and stated that it had not yet adopted SHA.

In Homa Bay County, Ombo Mission Hospital was still offering services, with the management saying they were awaiting further directions.

“We receive instructions from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB). We’re still waiting for official communication, but for now, we are continuing to offer services under SHA,” said Sister Beatrice Osire, the hospital administrator.

In Nakuru, the Kenya Union of Special Needs Education Teachers (KUSNET) called for the disbandment of the controversial SHA cover, describing it as a failure and a scam.

They pointed out that many of their members had been locked out of health services due to the financial difficulties facing the medical scheme.

KUSNET General Secretary James Torome said members were suffering due to the crisis surrounding the troubled medical scheme.

“SHA cover is not working, and it’s time the government reverted to the NHIF, which was more effective and efficient,” he said.

At the Coast, private hospitals stated they were awaiting a directive from the Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) regarding SHA.

Most private hospitals in Mombasa and other major towns are members of KAPH and did not join the suspension of services that affected hospitals in rural areas.

“We are waiting for a resolution from KAPH. But the fact is we are suffering because the government has not paid the bills incurred under NHIF,” said a hospital manager in Mombasa.

Yesterday, hospital officials declined to be quoted, fearing reprisals from the government, but confirmed that they were still admitting patients under SHA terms.

A spot check at Mombasa Hospital, Premier Hospital, and Panday Hospital showed that patients were still receiving services through SHA cover.

[Report by Benard Lusigi, Anne Atieno, Clinton Ambujo, Anthony Gitonga, Phares Mutembi and Willis Oketch]