The Kenya Association of Private Hospitals (KAPH) has dismissed threats by the Ministry of Health to initiate closures and revoke licenses of facilities refusing to offer healthcare services under the Social Health Authority (SHA) over unpaid debts.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association, led by its chairperson Dr. Eric Musau, called on the Ministry and SHA leadership to engage in dialogue to resolve the issues surrounding payment of arrears.
Dr. Musau noted that most hospitals under their umbrella were owed more than KES 10 million by the government, significantly hindering their day-to-day operations.
“Many private hospitals are currently owed millions of shillings in unsettled claims, some exceeding KES 10 million. These funds are critical for the day-to-day running of hospitals, including procurement of medical supplies, payment of staff, and delivery of essential services to Kenyans. Failure to honor these obligations puts the entire healthcare system at risk,” he said in the statement.
The association, however, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda but emphasized that this would only be possible in the absence of financial constraints.
“We wish to state, unequivocally, that private healthcare providers remain committed to supporting the government’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. However, it is important to address the real and pressing financial challenges that threaten the sustainability of private hospitals—challenges largely caused by delayed payments of claims owed under the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF),” the statement read.
KAPH urged the Ministry of Health to address their concerns and desist from issuing threats, saying such pronouncements derail the spirit of partnership needed to achieve the UHC agenda.
On Monday, March 17, PS Health Harry Kimtai warned private healthcare facilities that they risked closure and revocation of their licenses if they persisted with their protests over unpaid NHIF claims.
The PS alleged that the Ministry had invited KAPH for negotiations, but all efforts had been in vain.
