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| RUPHA officials at an event |
Private hospitals across Kenya will no longer accept the Social Health Authority (SHA) card for treatment, following a directive by the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA).
In a notice issued Sunday, September 21, the association said all patients covered under SHA will now be required to pay cash for services starting Monday, September 22.
RUPHA cited delayed and unsettled payments from SHA as the reason behind the move, saying facilities could no longer sustain operations on credit.
“Effective today, all healthcare services (unless otherwise stated) at this facility for Social Health Authority (SHA) beneficiaries will be provided on a cash basis,” the notice read.
RUPHA, which represents private hospitals nationwide, said the decision was necessary to keep hospitals open, maintain supplies, and retain staff.
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| RUPHA spokseperson, Dr Brian Lishenga |
“We regret the inconvenience this may cause and assure you that this action is driven by our commitment to ensure that hospitals remain open, essential supplies and equipment are available, and our staff can continue to serve you,” the association said.
The suspension is a blow to patients who are relying on the SHA scheme, which was introduced in October 2024 to replace the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).
The new authority was expected to streamline healthcare financing as well as increase access, but complaints about delayed claim processing have increased from healthcare providers.
With hospitals pulling out, patients are faced with immediate out-of-pocket costs with concerns for access to care, especially for lower-income families.
It is not yet clear how long the cash-payment policy will remain in place, because talks between RUPHA and government officials continue.
The Ministry of Health has not formally responded to the decision, although its officials have previously expressed difficulties in making the transition from NHIF to SHA.
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